Western Auto Parts store at the northwest corner of Wilshire Blvd and Hauser Blvd, Los Angeles, circa 1931

Western Auto Parts store at the northwest corner of Wilshire Blvd and Hauser Blvd, Los Angeles, circa 1931You have to hand it to developers who manage to construct a building that makes a mark – even in a city like Los Angeles that was filled with eye-catching architecture. This was the Western Auto Parts store at the northwest corner of Wilshire and Hauser Blvds, circa 1931. It was black and achieved so much with relatively little detail. (I do love their Pay’n’Takit sign – but isn’t that how stores work? You pay for something and then you take it with you…?)

This is how that building looked in March 2021. It’s bland, it’s boring, it’s an IHOP, hey, at least it’s still around.

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5 responses to “Western Auto Parts store at the northwest corner of Wilshire Blvd and Hauser Blvd, Los Angeles, circa 1931”

  1. Al Donnelly says:

    To the right of Pay’n Takit is “Something Saved On Everything”(?). To the left is a list beginning “Groceries” and ending with “Vegetables” (?). Its’ two fold back doors have four hinges per row every second panel creating a large open front. They must be saying no delivery, no credit, no hassle. Just drive up and get the amount you need at a low price no matter how little based on cash on the barrel head for each item..no need to buy in quantity to save. This is car culture corner. And parts to boot next door. The oil well in the field behind just seems to be icing on the carbon cake.

  2. john says:

    I agree this IHOP has no appeal at all but as you have stated at least it is still standing. Once again I wish I could have seen it in 1931. Especially like the cars out front.

  3. Bill Wolfe says:

    The original building facade is reminiscent of the Selig Building at 3rd and Western.

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