Palos Verdes had always been planned as an affluent bedroom community for the movers and shakers of Southern California, particularly Los Angeles. It was originally meant not to only be affluent, but extremely affluent - a so-called "millionaires' colony" - that was to be the envy and model for such a community and would attract the wealthy from around the world. While present day PV remains one of the most exclusive and affluent areas in the country, it did fall short of its grand designs.
A number of projects that were planned for the Peninsula never came to realization for a number of reasons. One good example of such misses are the commercial centers. Palos Verdes was primarily a residential community and was not meant to have any "undesirable" businesses such as auto shops or factories. However, the city planners did allow for certain types of businesses to operate in tasteful, designated commercial centers. Three plazas were designed. Of the original three, only Malaga Cove was realized.
(Source: Wikipedia/Abby Lanes)
(Source: Wikipedia)
The other two centers were never built. The most grand of the three was the Lunada Bay Plaza:
(Source: Palos Verdes library)
Needless to say, that plaza was never built, largely due to the Great Depression and a lack of funds. Instead, the current commercial center in Lunada Bay is much less grand.
(Source: Google Maps)
(Source: Bing Maps)
Part of me hopes that an enterprising (and financially capable) PV patron will buy the commercial center and realize the intent of the original city planners. It would be great for PVE to transform this rather pedestrian shopping center into a destination for, e.g., the art or culinary seekers. The new plaza could be filled with art galleries, cafes, libraries, an intimate performing arts venue and a few restaurants. Nothing "undesirable" - quite the contrary, something fashionable.
Similarly, the Valmonte Plaza, of similar grand design, was also never realized.
(Source: Palos Verdes library)
Present day:
(Source: Bing Maps)
The Valmonte Plaza was meant to occupy the lot currently occupied by a few homes and a church at the intersection of Via Campesina and Palos Verdes Drive North. In my mind, as I fantasize of what could have been, I think of the Valmonte Plaza as a sort of extension of the Palos Verdes Country Club - perhaps, a Palos Verdes City Club which could house a public library and reading room, meeting rooms, athletic facilities (like a pool and fitness center), a day care center, a grocery store and a small hotel for guests of PVE residents.
PV would have been a fairly different place had these two commercial centers been realized as designed. It's still possible!
2 comments:
That's too bad, but like you said, it's still possible and it's never too late! Maybe (and hopefully) one day...
Growing up on the hill, I always wished they were able to build the complete PVE plan, as well as maintain the charm and values of the old world it came out of.
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