Our Community

Westwood is a diverse and populous community; as architecturally varied as any area of Los Angeles.  From beautiful homes to gleaming office towers to industrial areas to multi-family residences, from houses of worship to halls of science and medicine, it runs the gamut of zoning, history, religion and economic position.  The photos shown here are intended to offer a 'taste' of the diversity.  We invite those who would like to contribute suggestions, photos and other content to participate. 

History
Westwood was originally 3,000 acres of farm land that was purchased and developed by the Janss company in 1922.  UCLA was originally located in Hollywood (where the Los Angeles City College is currently located), but was moved to Westwood in 1927.  The land for the university was purchased from the Janss company for $1 million – one-third of its value – and Janss steps were named in the company’s honor.

High-rise office towers began emerging along Wilshire Boulevard in the 1950’s, in anticipation of the Beverly Hills freeway that was going to go through the area, but was never actually built.  Westwood Village was wildly popular from the 1960’s through the mi-1980’s.  In the late-1980’s, all of Los Angeles experienced elevated crime.  In 1988, a gang-shooting in Westwood, that resulted in the death of an innocent bystander, was highly publicized.  Westwood’s popularity dropped dramatically and struggled throughout the 1990’s, although it seems to have bounced back in recent years.  Small businesses still face difficulty however, as nearby malls, chain stores, and other urban shopping areas such as Third Street Promenade and The Grove, are challenging competition.

The Geffen Playhouse, for example, mixes classic plays, new works and musicals, often hosting world premieres. Originally a Masonic Hall, the Geffen was used as an Army barracks during WWII. The Mediterranean/Spanish Colonial Revival complex was recently renovated, and the 522-seat main theatre now has the latest technologies to host cutting-edge productions.

 
 

 
11111 Santa Monica Bl.                                                               Fox Building, Ohio & Sepulveda               
 
Warner-Chapell, S.M. at Wetherly

Holmby Park 







   

                         Fox Theatre                                                        Regent Theatre

Fox Theater (left) and Bruin Theater (right) Broxton at Weyburn

The Wilshire Corridor




Napa Valley Grille, Westwood Center, Glendon at Lindbrook

Gardens on Glendon Restaurant, now closed
 

 
The Mormon Temple

St. Alban's Episcopal Church,  Hilgard and Westholme