This aerial shot from 1913 shows the distinctive wedge-shaped corner where Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards meet at the western edge of Beverly Hills. The Beverly Hilton Hotel has occupied this land since 1955 (and more recently the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills) and I’ve often wondered what was there before. It looks like a there was a triangular park with a large circular plaza and a wide path leading where the two boulevards cross. To the right, we can also see the bare Beverly Hills development. It would take a few more years before that empty land would start to fill in.
A 2021 satellite image of the same intersection:
From what I’ve read, & the picture apparently shows, this was the location of Beverly Hills first plant nursery. Nursery appears to be just above the circular plaza. Although what that huge building just above all the plants is haven’t a clue. Had no idea this location was known as “the Point” until saw following:
https://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_Views_of_Beverly_Hills_Page_2.html
Thanks, Matt!
Isn’t “the Point” where the old Wilson’s House of Suede was? That’s one of my memories of that intersection from back in the day. I certainly wasn’t going to the country club or the Hilton!
Absoultely correct. Used to work on Spalding one street from Wilshire & Santa Monica intersection so know area quite well.
Thought about it. I was wrong – In the modern photo Wilson’s was the bottom building to the right of the Peninsula Hotel; that strange one building wide strip of land between Big & Little Santa Monica Blvds.