email: roadarch@outlook.com

California Mid-Century Modern Domes

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geodesic dome
Glendale, CA		 geodesic dome
Three Rivers, CA		 geodesic dome
Isla Vista, CA
This geodesic dome in Glendale previously housed Star Brite Cleaners and was painted teal. It may have housed a photo shop and gardening supply place as well. The building now houses Cenmill. I believe it was built around 1977. [map]

This geodesic dome in Three Rivers now houses an art and photo studio. This one appears to be from the 1960s or 1970s. [map]

This spherical geodesic dome residence in Isla Vista was designed by Michael F. Hoover and built from 1972-1973. For more, see this website. [map]

geodesic dome
Santa Rosa, CA
This geodesic dome has recently been used as office space. It is currently vacant. [map]

Kerman Inn
Kerman, CA
The Kerman Inn geodesic dome serves as the motel's office. [map]

Curl Up & Dye
Brawley, CA
The Curl Up & Dye building has a concrete-looking dome roof. I don't know how old this building is or what business it housed originally. It may have been a residence. [map]

The Domes
Davis, CA
The Domes, aka Baggins End Innovative Housing, is a housing community for UC Davis students. The 14 fiberglass domes were installed in 1972. They were constructed with the help of student volunteers. [map]

Foxworthy KinderCare
San Jose, CA
Foxworthy KinderCare has a semi-circle of six domes surrounding a hexagonal building. These buildings were probably built in the 1960s. [map]

Ky's Hair Designs
Eureka, CA
The double-dome structure which now houses Ky's Hair Designs was built in the 1970s. I don't know the original occupant. In 1979, it housed Ming Tree Realty. In the 1980s and 1990s, it housed the Video Connections video store. There are other identical domes scattered around the country including these in Marathon, FL. [map]

Integratron
Landers, CA		 The Dome [gone]
Bakersfield, CA
The Integratron was built by George Van Tassel from 1954-1959. He continued to tinker with the building until his death in 1978. The design was meant to rejuvenate human cells. The building is now operated as a tourist attraction. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

The Dome opened in 1941 as the Strelich Stadium, a sports arena. The dome was 106 feet in diameter. Later, it was used for live performances, sporting events, private parties and other activities. The building was demolished in 2018.

dome-like building
Cartago, CA		 San Bernardino County Museum
Redlands, CA
The dome-like building has been there since at least 2007. It appeared to be made of metal sheeting at that time. Around 2011, it was covered with a spray foam material and was painted orange. I don't think it has ever been used for anything other than storage. [map]

I believe this San Bernardino County Museum dome was constructed in 1974. It houses the Fisk and Schuling Galleries. [map]

Bubble House
Pasadena, CA

2013:
2021:
This Bubble House was designed by Wallace Neff as an experiment in affordable housing. It was built in 1946. Neff built many of them all over the world but this is the sole survivor. Also known as the Shell House, it was built with gunite, rebar and concrete. The house was restored in 2019. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. [map]

Neighborhood Church of Chico
Chico, CA
The Neighborhood Church of Chico was built in the early 1970s. [map]

Gentry Gymnasium
Loma Linda, CA
The Gentry Gymnasium geodesic dome was built in 1968 at Loma Linda University. The dome was donated to the Loma Linda SDA Church. It is being reassembled at this site. For more, see this website. [map]

Palomar College Dome
San Marcos, CA
The Palomar College Dome was built in 1958. There are 575 diamond-shaped panels. The building is used for athletic competitions, PE classes, and other events. For more, see this website. [map]

The Dome
Costa Mesa, CA
The Dome at Costa Mesa High School was built in 1958. It is used as a shelter for outdoor dining. The building under the dome is used as a snack bar. [map]

Astronomy Building and Planetarium
Wilmington, CA
This Astronomy Building and Planetarium is located at the Los Angeles Harbor College. It was built in 1963. [map]

Center for Spiritual Living
Hemet, CA
The Center for Spiritual Living was known as the Church of Religious Science when this monolithic dome structure was built in 1991. The two connected domes were repainted in 2012. For more, see this website. [map]

More California:
Cinerama Dome (Los Angeles)
Century 21, 22, 23, and 24 Theatres (San Jose)