Picture this. You are standing before Westwood Center a five-story office building on Glendon Avenue. Its construction started in 1962. This unassuming building holds a piece of Westwood’s vibrant past. It wasn’t always an office building.
Westwood Village once boasted a thriving entertainment scene. The area was designed to serve UCLA faculty students and the surrounding communities. Janss Development a firm behind Westwood Village’s development. They cultivated a unique architectural style. This style blends with various buildings’ unique designs.
Westwood Village quickly became known for its concentration of first-run movie theaters. Major premieres flocked to Westwood. This gave films a touch of class. It was a status symbol unavailable elsewhere in the city. Sadly many of those theaters have closed. The rise of multiplexes and other Westside locations changed things. Westwood’s theatrical dominance faded.
But the memories remain. Imagine the buzz of a premiere night at the Fox Westwood Village Theater. This grand theater opened in 1931. It was a joint venture between Fox West Coast Theaters and Janss Development. Its excellent sound and projection made it a favorite for major film releases. Now a part of the Regency Theatres chain it continues its legacy.
Or picture yourself strolling through Westwood Village. The lively street fair a weekend ritual. You could find anything from crystals to incense. The aroma of food from local eateries fills the air. Think about the crowds on weekends so large that cars were sometimes banned.
Westwood Center itself may not be a theater or restaurant. It stands as a silent witness. It is a witness to the transformation of Westwood. Its location reflects the evolution of this dynamic area. From a vibrant entertainment hub to a bustling commercial center. Westwood Center continues to be part of the Westwood landscape. It stands as a reminder of its rich history. Westwood’s past continues to shape its present. This iconic location quietly observes the life of Westwood.