Granada Hills

Hidden amidst the sprawling San Fernando Valley lies Granada Hills, a community brimming with unexpected tales. In the heart of what is now a bustling suburb, imagine fields of beans and wheat stretching as far as the eye can see. This was the scene in the late 19th century when George K. Porter, a San Fernando Valley pioneer, acquired the land. Granada Hills began its transformation in 1926 when Suburban Estates, Inc. purchased the land. The company, known for developing Eagle Rock and parts of Glendale, envisioned large lots, some up to 7 acres. A tract office was established at 17645 Chatsworth Street, a building often mistaken for a residence, but which has continuously served real estate purposes since its construction. When sales of the large lots proved slower than anticipated, the company shifted gears. In 1927, they re-subdivided a portion of Granada Hills into smaller residential and business lots, creating the street layout we see today. To entice buyers, potential residents were offered free bus trips from Los Angeles, complete with lunch and a presentation showcasing the “great opportunities” in Granada. Perhaps the most peculiar aspect of this promotion was the focus on rabbit raising. Granada Hills was pitched as a rabbit raising colony, and many of the first eighty homes built in 1927 included barns specifically designed for rabbitries. The dream of a thriving rabbit-raising community didn’t quite pan out, but the early days of Granada Hills left their mark. The community even had its own celebrity birth. Granada Klissner, the first child born in the newly established Granada, was welcomed into the world with a gift of $25 worth of stock in the Granada Mortgage Co. The area continued to evolve. In 1927, the Granada Women’s Club was formed, and the Los Angeles Board of Education purchased land for a future school. The following year saw the establishment of the Granada Chamber of Commerce and the installation of the streetlights that still illuminate the community today. The Granada Hills business district also began to take shape. In the fall of 1927, a two-story Spanish-style building was erected on the corner of Chatsworth and White Oak, marking the beginning of what would become a vibrant commercial center. Granada Hills weathered tough times, particularly during the Great Depression. Disputes arose over the management of the subdivision, rabbit raising proved less profitable than hoped, and the promised improved transportation to Los Angeles never materialized. Despite these setbacks, Granada Hills persevered. The extensive paved streets, curbs, sidewalks, and utility lines installed by the original developers, though ultimately leading to their bankruptcy, remain a testament to their vision and provided the community with a solid foundation. Granada Hills even experienced a name change. In 1942, to avoid confusion with another California town, “Hills” was appended to “Granada,” officially establishing the name we know today. A post office opened the same year. From a rabbit-raising colony to a bustling suburban community, Granada Hills’ journey has been marked by unique challenges, surprising twists, and a resilient spirit. As you stroll along the tree-lined streets today, remember the echoes of those who came before – the farmers, the rabbit enthusiasts, and the dreamers who shaped this unique corner of the San Fernando Valley.