A vintage view of the open-air WESTLAKE Shopping Court. The complex served as a de facto downtown for the gigantic Westlake housing development.
Photo from http://www.dalycityhistory.org
Little boxes on the hillside...
The typical Westlake tract house averaged between 1,100 and 1,400 square feet and sold for $11,000 in 1949.
Drawing from Henry Doelger, Incorporated
Lambasted by Malvina Reynolds' "Little Boxes" ditty in 1962, these abodes have stood the test of time...and even a couple of earthquakes. They are now celebrated as definitive examples of post-war, "Late Moderne" style.
Photo from www.flickr.com / "Telstar Logistics' Ticky-Tacky Photostream"
The WESTLAKE TOWN & COUNTRY CENTER was built in three phases. The first was completed between 1951 and 1954. The second stage -or Shopping Court- is depicted above. This structure, which extended for 750 feet, housed twenty store spaces. It was dedicated in 1956.
Drawing from Henry Doelger, Incorporated
The 5 million dollar Shopping Court expansion was anchored by a (51,000 square foot) "J.C. Penney Company" store.
Drawing from Henry Doelger, Incorporated
