Old Torrance, the oldest part of the city contains the oldest homes in the city, they were of Spanish Style. Many of these still exist and can still be found along the both sides El Prado park of the city, these at the time ,were the most luxurious built in the 1920's. The immediate surrounding area contained smaller homes. Many of the original homes have become trendy and popular today In recent years several additional building types were added most notably mixed use housing and condo/Townhomes.

Old Torrance was designed by Fredierick Law Olstead a famed city designer in 1912. The residential streets were laid out in the shape of a “Y”. El Prado avenue was planned to be the gateway to the downtown area of the city. The original plan was to build the city hall in the south side of the park (now Torrance High School) Homes were planned and built on both sides of the park (El Prado Park)they were the most prestigious in the area of the time. The topography is flat. The city was design to keep industry to the east of the city and the plan was to grow the residential housing to the west.

Old Torrance MLS Boundaries

Old Torrance is known to Real Estate Agents As MLS area 134. It is bounded by Sepulveda Blvd. on the south, Western avenue on the east The western boundary is Crenshaw Blvd and 190^th St. on the North.