In this 1944 photo, we’re looking west along Beverly Blvd where it’s crossed by San Vicente Blvd. At first glance, I assume that gorgeous tower sat atop a movie theater, I guess because it reminded me of the Fox Westwood Theatre. But it didn’t take me long to realize, nope, that’s a gas station. It even had a name: the Beverly Tower. I’m guessing it would have been a local landmark at the time—which is kind of the point, in a “build it and they will come” sort of way.
Here is a clearer photo of the Beverly Tower from circa 1940:
And this is that same intersection from February 2021. I guess it was too much to expect that the tower was still standing.
Another lost architectural style. Must have been instant landmarks. Especially liked the ones with Neon gas station brand emblems at the top. Once-upon-a time Westwood Village had plenty,,,,
https://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_LA_Gas_Stations_2_of_2.html
Guessing, as the years passed, maintenance costs became prohibitive & cheaper to tear down than repair. With location shown bet skyrocketing land values killed economic viability via property taxes.
Yes, I’m sure you’re right. That’s what kills most things.
The second photo is preaumably being dated by the billboard advertising the (NOW) Palladium Ballroom in Hollywood, which opened in October 1940 to the sounds of Tommy Dorsey with Frank Sinatra. But the last name in the sign is Shaw if it can be tracked from that. Oddly, the first photo just feels earlier in time…everything’s cleaner and tidy. Maybe it was just a good facelift from a Beverly Hills plastic “sturgeon”? (Won’t comment on rental horses and hamburger joints.)