The Bank of Tokyo/Union Bank in Jefferson Park may give way to some much needed development at 3501 W. Jefferson Blvd.
The bland '60s building which has an always empty parking lot on what should be the thriving corner of Jefferson and Crenshaw isn't something I want to keep.
But the West Adams Heritage Association would like to keep the "landmark" alive. These are the same people that backed keeping the
Felix the Cat sign on Figueroa and I applaud their efforts.
Laura Meyers
writes
(be sure to check out the Website, they've got some great stories on the history of the area) that the building was designed in the early 1960s in the International Style as a financial institution serving the adjacent Japanese-American community.
Both before and after World War II, many Japanese-American families settled in Jefferson Park. After the war, many actually "resettled" in this area - having lost their homes during internment at relocation camps, Meyers writes.
"This building represents a still-standing piece of community fabric in a neighborhood where much has been demolished. It is reflective of a time both past and present of a neighborhood filled with diverse culture. We are trying to work together as a community to ensure that the Japanese-American community's remaining history in Jefferson Park is not erased as well," Meyers writes.
The story doesn't say what development might be coming and signs at the site announcing the planned development are gone. So maybe West Adams saved another building. Here's hoping they didn't save the parking lot, too.
