Hidden away in the public works yard parking lot are survivors of Huntington Beach's Old Civic Center, once located between 5th and 6th streets in the historic downtown. Previously the site of one of the first grammar schools, the original Civic Center was situated next to present-day Triangle Park, home of the Main Street Library.
In a Civic Center history published by the City in 1974, the firm of Walker and Eisen is reported as the architects of the city hall and auditorium.
Based in Los Angeles, Walker and Eisen also designed the twelve-story Fine Arts Building on 7th Street in Los Angeles, which was designated as a Historic Cultural Monument in 1974 and is featured in the film, 500 (Days of Summer). Walker and Eisen's other buildings include the Hotel Normandie and the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.
The Old Civic Center opened its doors in 1923 and served as Huntington Beach's official seat of government for 51 years. The impressive stairway led to the second floor where main city government offices were located.
The Civic Center history notes, "Many notable decisions were made by the board of trustees (city council) during this time, one of which awarded the contract for the installation of the ornamental street lights along Main Street from Mansion (Yorktown) Avenue to the ocean."
The 1933 earthquake damaged the city hall building, causing city staff to move into tents around the civic center for a short period. The municipal tent city was a reminder of the temporary shelters in Huntington Beach's earliest years when housing construction could not keep pace. This included the Bungalette Court, known by locals as "Cardboard Alley," allowed for a short time on a portion of Block 505 (Triangle Park) until directed to vacate by the city council in July, 1923.
When fully established, the Old Civic Center included the city hall, Memorial Hall (of which the second floor was managed by the American Legion), fire and police departments, chamber of commerce, and the Horseshoe Clubhouse with recreational activities and a ballpark on present-day Triangle Park.
The Horseshoe Clubhouse was constructed at the civic center in 1931 and put into use by community groups. See photos of the Horseshoe Club at http://www.historichuntingtonbeach.blogspot.com/2012/08/historic-walking-tour-12-and-13-main.html
During World War II, the Clubhouse was occupied by the Red Cross until they were asked to vacate after the war in 1950. In the late 1960s, key city departments relocated to the Clubhouse when they outgrew city hall.
By the early 1970s, the City departments were spread out into multiple buildings and planning began for the new Civic Center at Main Street and Yorktown Avenue where it remains today. A decision was made to demolish the old civic center and redevelop the land as housing.
From 1945 to 1972, the City of Huntington Beach grew from its original 3.57 square miles to almost 28 square miles. The City's population boomed from 11,000 in 1960 to 150,000 in 1974. In a little over a decade, Huntington Beach had become the fastest growing city in the United States.
By 1968, the City purchased the new civic center site at Main Street and Mansion (Yorktown) Avenue, across from Huntington Beach High School. The new city hall--designed by architect Kurt Meyer, who designed a number bank buildings in Los Angeles--opened its doors in 1974.
The dedication event featured bands from Huntington Beach and Marina high schools, the Edison High School drill team, and hostesses from the Orange Coast College stewardess trainees. The dedication address was made by Robert H. Finch, Counselor to President Richard Nixon, with a presentation of keys to the building by the architect.
Six years later, the paired eagles and plaques from the Old Civic Center quietly found their new home in the public works yard.
Location: The monument to the Old Civic Center is located in the parking lot of the City of Huntington Beach public works corporation yard, 17371 Gothard Street, between Slater and Warner avenues. It can be viewed during the days and hours the public works offices are open.
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