WHITTIER, Calif.— The Whittier Historic Resources Commission has made their decision that portions of the property containing Googie architecture should be considered in the city’s “Register of Historic Resources as a local landmark,” according to the Whittier Daily News.
If the City Council agrees with the decision, then developmental plans will need to be decided through an environmental review, said Helen Rahder, of Whittier Conservancy. The group is working to preserve parts of the property.
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Googie architecture is a style that originated after WWII and represents optimism and the future. The style was particularly popular in Southern California.
The investment group that now owns the property wants to build townhouses where The Five Points Hand Car Wash currently is. “We’re losing money every day,” said Serge Gharibian, a member of the investment group.
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Ted Snyder, president of the conservancy, is happy that a piece of American history is being protected. “Unique structures like The Five Points Carwash evoke a special time, place and culture that won’t come again,” he said. “I’m gratified that the city is recognizing and valuing these structures."
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