Fairfax Avenue, North and South

The Fairfax Theater, Fairfax Avenue and Beverly Boulevard, 1937. Photo by Herman J. Schultheis

I like to peruse the photo archives of the Los Angeles Public Library. Once in awhile, I'll just do a search on a Los Angeles street. Today, I typed in Fairfax Avenue and came up with two interesting vintage photos.

The Fairfax Theater on North Fairfax at Beverly Boulevard has been there since 1929, architect, William C. Pennell. It closed in 2010 after heavy rains and a damaged roof made it unusable. A proposed mixed-use condominium and shops complex has been planned, but nothing has happened in the last 6 years. Today, the exterior of the theater looks much as it did in Herman J. Schultheis' photograph from 1937.

Google Maps view of the Fairfax Theater, 2015

Of course, there has been MUCH development around this corner, including CBS Television City, kitty-corner from The Fairfax, built in 1952 on the former site of Gilmore Stadium.

I found another photograph in the LAPL archives on South Fairfax, very close to where we live. This photo is dated 1950, no photographer listed. This is Fairfax Avenue, just south of Olympic Boulevard where it intersects with San Vicente Boulevard.

South Fairfax Avenue, 1950. LAPL Photo Archives

I do love the big Heinz billboard on the west side of Fairfax, the old cars and street lamps. I didn't know that there was a Von's Market on this stretch of Fairfax, address 1020 South Fairfax Avenue.  Now there is a Von's just south of here at the corner of Pico and Fairfax!  A healthcare facility has replaced a large portion of this block where the Von's once stood. However, there are still many small shops and restaurants in the original 1920s-1930s era buildings along this southern stretch of the street, which encompasses Little Ethiopia.

Google Maps view of 1020 South Fairfax Avenue, 2015

Click on any of the photos above to make larger for a better view. As you drive around Los Angeles, realize that almost every block of our City has changed. I still ask myself, "I wonder what was there before the mini-mall?" Have a wonderful weekend, my friends.