Nestled somewhat awkwardly between the Harbor Fwy and an on-ramp sits the Samoan Sea Apartments. It was likely built in the '60s, and the front of the building still has a lot of charm. There is a large A-frame entrance, flanked by piers with nautical chain, and plenty of lush landscaping. There are two very big tikis that are still in great shape, thanks to their conrete construction. The tikis are painted, and look very similar to the spitting tiki drums in Adventureland at Walt Disney World. The rest of the grounds are sort of well-maintained, but one gets the sense that the days of luxury living at the Samoan Seas are firmly in the past.
I have lived and worked around these apartments for over 40 years. I remember a conversation I had with an old appartment manager about these apartments. Unfortunately the only real Tiki appearance is on the exterior. These were designed as affordable appartments for mulitary, mostly Coast Guard, and shipyard workers to have a place to stay close to work. It still looks very inviting as you drive by and I would love to see more attention paid to care and upkeep of the two front Tikis.
The apartments were built in the early 70s. My husband and I lived there for a brief time in 1974. The paint was barely dry when we moved in. The apartments were decorated in bright blue, yellow and lime green at that time. It was within walking distance of the cruise ship piers and the Little Fisherman restaurant as well as Ports O'Call Village with shops and more restaurants.
I have lived and worked around these apartments for over 40 years. I remember a conversation I had with an old appartment manager about these apartments. Unfortunately the only real Tiki appearance is on the exterior. These were designed as affordable appartments for mulitary, mostly Coast Guard, and shipyard workers to have a place to stay close to work. It still looks very inviting as you drive by and I would love to see more attention paid to care and upkeep of the two front Tikis.
The apartments were built in the early 70s. My husband and I lived there for a brief time in 1974. The paint was barely dry when we moved in. The apartments were decorated in bright blue, yellow and lime green at that time. It was within walking distance of the cruise ship piers and the Little Fisherman restaurant as well as Ports O'Call Village with shops and more restaurants.
Chippy
