I’m posting this photo of the 400 block of North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills (circa early 1940s) because I happened to drive past this building the other day and was struck with the stark difference between how it looked back then, with its columns and arches and beautiful signage, and how the same building looks today (see photo below.) For some unfathomable reason (easier maintenance, maybe?) it’s been entirely stripped of its personality and could be any building anywhere. If you were going to tear the whole thing down and start again, that’s one thing, but to strip a building of everything that made it unique is unfathomable to me.
In this photo we can see a sign for “Sutherland-Rude” which was a dress shop. (From the Los Angeles Street Address Directory, May 1956)
Bill D says: “Entering adolescence, my neighborhood pals and I would wander on this same street – the photo is as I remember it. At that time I became aware of angled curbside parking – most parking over LA area was parallel. There was a hobby/novelty store in the area that featured a model steam engine (not a railroad locomotive) that a boy could assemble and run with a live steam boiler. Unfortunately I did not have enough money to buy it at that time.”
My grandfather had a children’s clothing store on Beverly Dr. Near Nate ‘n Al’s Deli. It was called Young America Ltd. It was quite popular with the movie people and elite. His first cousin had a store on Brighton Way called Yorkshire’s. They sold fine linens. Another family member had a fine handbag store across his also on Beverly Dr. This was late 40’s to 50’s. I always had the most beautiful clothes and the best toys.
What a pity. The Brevoort had also a wonderful Hispanic style with palm trees, before it was changed into some kind of a bunker (outside). It’s almost as if missions of yesteryear were changed to be “up-to-date”. Some cities I know have replaced the vegetation of big places by paved areas to save on gardening costs.
I’m posting this photo of the 400 block of North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills (circa early 1940s) because I happened to drive past this building the other day and was struck with the stark difference between how it looked back then, with its columns and arches and beautiful signage, and how the same building looks today (see photo below.) For some unfathomable reason (easier maintenance, maybe?) it’s been entirely stripped of its personality and could be any building anywhere. If you were going to tear the whole thing down and start again, that’s one thing, but to strip a building of everything that made it unique is unfathomable to me.
My grandfather had a children’s clothing store on Beverly Dr. Near Nate ‘n Al’s Deli. It was called Young America Ltd. It was quite popular with the movie people and elite. His first cousin had a store on Brighton Way called Yorkshire’s. They sold fine linens. Another family member had a fine handbag store across his also on Beverly Dr. This was late 40’s to 50’s. I always had the most beautiful clothes and the best toys.
Lucky you, Carole! Clothes and toys – what a dream childhood!
It is known as being “reimagined”, dontcha know!
“reimagined”…that’s a kind word for it…
Yep, some people have no conception of style.
That’s a post war Pontiac. The design features are probably buried under that crummy facade.
What a pity. The Brevoort had also a wonderful Hispanic style with palm trees, before it was changed into some kind of a bunker (outside). It’s almost as if missions of yesteryear were changed to be “up-to-date”. Some cities I know have replaced the vegetation of big places by paved areas to save on gardening costs.
Mr Jensen’s toys and the pet shop were on the east side of the street – the new photo you published is on the west side
Thanks for the clarification, Carol. Much appreciated.