Isn’t it captivating how a village can rise from ranch lands? Westwood Village began as part of the Wolfskill Ranch. Arthur Letts bought the 3000-acre parcel in 1919.
Hello everyone! I am excited to share the tale of Westwood Village with you. It is a unique area with a rich past.
Let’s step back to the 1920s. Harold Janss inherited the land and started developing it in 1922. In 1925, the Janss Investment Company sold 375 acres for UCLA’s construction. The price was a bargain at $1.2 million.
Simultaneously, Janss Investment Company developed Westwood Village. They envisioned a Mediterranean-style shopping area. Developers Harland Bartholomew and L. Deming Tilton created the master plan. The design was considered beautiful and well-planned. Towers served as beacons for drivers on Wilshire Boulevard.
Westwood Village officially opened in 1929. It had 34 businesses. Today, Westwood Village hosts over 260 businesses, retail spots and restaurants.
The Janss Dome was the first building erected in Westwood Village. It housed the Janss Investment Company. Allison & Allison designed the Janss Dome. They also designed UCLA’s Royce Hall and Kerckhoff Hall. The Dome’s architecture includes a high portico and arched windows. Its signature dome features a Moorish-style aqua and white zig-zag pattern.
In the 1930s, Westwood Village continued to grow. The Fox Westwood Village Theatre opened in 1931. It quickly became a symbol of Westwood Village. The Holmby Hall Building was built in 1929. It even served as the first dormitory for female UCLA students. Ralphs Grocery Store opened in 1929 as well.
Look around. Imagine the village in its early days. You would have seen multiple gas stations with tall towers. There were also department stores like Bullock’s and Desmond’s. The Tropical Ice Gardens opened in 1938. It was billed as the world’s first year-round outdoor ice skating rink.
During the 1940s, Westwood Village was a popular shopping destination. People came to enjoy the unique atmosphere. They visited stores like Myer Siegel. They attended movie premieres at the Bruin Theater.
However, the village faced challenges in later years. High-rise construction altered its small-town feel. The completion of the San Diego Freeway increased traffic. Many community-focused businesses were edged out.
In recent times, there have been efforts to revitalize Westwood Village. Some landmark buildings have been restored. Broxton Avenue was remodeled with widened sidewalks and public art.
Today, Westwood Village maintains a unique charm. It blends historic architecture with modern businesses. The Geffen Playhouse and Hammer Museum add cultural allure.
Consider El Paseo Building. Its restoration reflects the original vision for Westwood. The vintage tiles and fountains evoke a sense of history.
As we conclude our tour, remember Westwood Village’s evolution. From ranch lands to a vibrant shopping district, it has a captivating story. It continues to evolve. It balances preservation with progress.