Evidently, somebody thought it necessary to build an observation tower at the intersection of Beverly Glen and Wilshire Boulevards in Westwood in 1924. But why? There doesn’t appear to be much of anything around to observe – just a billboard and a solitary building behind it. The “WESTWOOD” sign and those lighting bolts appear to be studded with electric lightbulbs so I’m guessing it was more of an advertising stunt. I’d love to have seen it at night.
**UPDATE** Kris says: “It was built by the Janss Investment Corporation and stood at 420 feet above sea level, making it the highest point on Wilshire Boulevard. Potential home owners were allowed to climb the tower to get a better view of the new community and identify the lot they would like to purchase.”
A different sort of tower stands at that intersection now. (May 2019):
“Built by the Janss Investment Corporation in the 1920s, this oddly shaped tower was located on the northeast corner of Wilshire and Beverly Glen Boulevards. It stood at 420 feet above sea level, making it the highest point on Wilshire Boulevard at the time and was used primarily as a landmark advertisement. At night, the lightning bolts along the sides and the ‘WESTWOOD’ sign would light up and be seen for miles.
Potential home owners were allowed to climb the tower to get a better view of the new community and identify the lot they would like to purchase.”
Evidently, somebody thought it necessary to build an observation tower at the intersection of Beverly Glen and Wilshire Boulevards in Westwood in 1924. But why? There doesn’t appear to be much of anything around to observe – just a billboard and a solitary building behind it. The “WESTWOOD” sign and those lighting bolts appear to be studded with electric lightbulbs so I’m guessing it was more of an advertising stunt. I’d love to have seen it at night.
Has to be an advertising gimmick. Get the client up in the observation room and apply the pressure?
Yes, William, I imagine that’s exactly what it was.
https://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_Views_of_Westwood.html
“Built by the Janss Investment Corporation in the 1920s, this oddly shaped tower was located on the northeast corner of Wilshire and Beverly Glen Boulevards. It stood at 420 feet above sea level, making it the highest point on Wilshire Boulevard at the time and was used primarily as a landmark advertisement. At night, the lightning bolts along the sides and the ‘WESTWOOD’ sign would light up and be seen for miles.
Potential home owners were allowed to climb the tower to get a better view of the new community and identify the lot they would like to purchase.”