This shot of Wright’s LTD Importers on Westwood Blvd in Westwood Village reminds us how commercial buildings were designed with such an eye for detail that you don’t often see these days. Those urn-shaped decorations spaced along the roof, the shutters on the windows, the thin metal balustrade around the second floor. From the look of the car parked out front, I’d say this photo is circa 1920s. Wright’s official address was 10906 Le Conte Ave and the building stood on the southwest corner of Le Conte and Westwood Blvd.
This is how it looks today:
Here are some closer shots to see the detailing more clearly:
It has survived: The building is at 10906 Le Conte, on the southwest corner of the intersection with Westwood Boulevard. It’s a Wells Fargo branch on the ground level with offices above.
This beautiful building is still with us although much modified (not for the better). It is at the corner of Westwood Blvd. and Le Conte in Westwood Village across from UCLA.
Thanks so much for your answer yesterday. Bunker Hill; just a dream for me. Any clue as to where Chatham’s Restaurant was in Westwood Village? Never knew about this place when it existed, and by all accounts read, had seriously impressive food. IE: Visiting Danish monarch requested thirds of something she couldn’t get enough of!
Chatam’s was on Weyburn between Westwood Blvd. and Broxton on the south side of the street. I used to have lunch there when I taught at UCLA in the 1980’s. It closed October 30, 1987 after many decades. It was a favorite of Hollywood stars.
Thanks again. Can’t believe I missed this fabled place. One of the best cookbooks I have was written by Carole Andersen Travis – A name you might recall, being one of Chatam’s greeters & daughter of chef-owner Carl Anderson. Called “Star Food” over 275 recipes from not only Chatham’s but legendary Scandia’s. Found copy on eBay for around $30. If interest be forwarned, average price over $100! Great recipes & even better stories.
I went to Scandia several times in the years it was open on Sunset.
I agree with Gordon. I like the original better with painted brick vs today with red brick
East Coast trend, exposed brick.
Amazed so much of the original building survived.Think reflects original quality build and, at least for me, the deeply satisfying visual aesthetics. Minus the storefronts plate glass, note every single window has shutters (invariably removed over maintenance issues) or windows above awnings pivoting inward for ventilation. Guaranteed rooftop urns removed over earthquake concerns. Would it really have cost so much to have them replicated (ditto for the shutters) in something like aluminium (then) or maintenance free fiberglass now?
Your point about the urns is very valid. Earthquake-prone California isn’t very rooftop-urn friendly!
Can you imagine what they weighed if made out of concrete? Guessing over 100 pounds each. Now add being unreinforced and unsecured, in a quake….The flip side is, they are, literally, visually arresting. What more could a retail tenant want than to have the public stare at their building? Artfully lit at night? Spectacular –
I’m wondering about the second car (the newer, nicer of the two). I’m usually pretty good at this, but I’m a little stumped. I’m thinking 1930 LaSalle convertible coupe, but there are one or two things that don’t match.
Based on the lack of skirting on the front fenders, I’m thinking it has to be 1928-ish to 1932-ish. The double bar front bumper matches LaSalles of the period. The large hub caps have what appears to be the LaSalle emblem on them. The louvers on the side of the hood match the 1930 LaSalle (but not ’31). The body flares out over the frame rail a bit between the door and the rear fender like the LaSalle.
What doesn’t match: LaSalle had exposed door hinges, which I don’t see on this car. There’s no radiator mascot. The spare tire cover has what appears to possibly be a winged Duesenberg 8 logo on it. The hub caps and radiator shape don’t work for a Duesenberg though.
I’ve looked at Lincolns, Cadillacs, Packards, Imperials, Studebakers, Pierce Arrows….even Hispano Suiza. I’m stumped. Is our resident car expert, Mr. K reading this? If so, any thoughts?
I have a friend who works at the Peterson Automotive Museum. I’ll ask him and get back to you!
I apologize for dragging you all down the rabbit hole with me on this. It’s a 1930 LaSalle Series 340 “Fleetcliffe” Roadster with rumble seat. Style 4002. Coachwork by Fleetwood. Only 302 units built
LaSalle was the “Baby Cadillac”. Sold and serviced at Cadillac dealerships, it competed with the mid-range Packards. I imagine this car turned plenty of heads as it drove through Westwood Village.
Thanks, PDQ. 302 were built? That’s an odd number. Did they abruptly stop building them?
It was shortly after the 1929 stock market crash, so demand for coachbuilt bodies was severely depressed
Ah, well yes, that makes perfect sense.