Page 1 of 1
Harveys (later Johnies) Broiler, Downey, CA Demolished
Posted: 08 Jan 2007 20:56
by J-Mac
(CBS) DOWNEY, Calif. Someone's going to have some explaining to do Monday following the partial demolition of what used to be a 1950s-era car-hop diner.
Thought the story might be of interest to fans of Googie architecture. Here's a link to the local CBS afflitate who has a story filed:
http://cbs2.com/topstories/local_story_008113457.html
They discuss criminal charges for the tenant and/or landlord, including not obtaining a proper permit.
It also appears that a website has popped up regarding the landmark:
http://johniesbroiler.com/
Sad, although it may galvanize the community to do something positive about the landmark.
Posted: 09 Jan 2007 00:18
by javelin
I'm originally from Downey myself and there have been so many attempts to save that restaurant as you can remember. But look around and you'll see why there's no pride anymore. Most of the longtime residents have either passed on or moved away. My grandparents' old house, though looking exactly the way I remembered it as a child with a well kept lawn, is sadly an exception. The land is probably worth more now than it was with the building. The attitude is to wipe out whatever history there is of the past generations.
Hardly anyone there has any family roots, much less having been born there. Nobody cares anymore. It's just a place to live until the next destination, wherever that is.
It's only going to get worse.
Posted: 09 Jan 2007 00:22
by TheStranger
Having said that, as mentioned in the McDonald's thread, Downey IS proud of its Oldest Operating McDonald's, so I'm wondering why the city leaders didn't vouch for this as hard.
Posted: 09 Jan 2007 00:26
by Jeff
The city seems that they were fighting to keep it.
Illegal tear downs suck. I drove by today and was saddened.
Posted: 09 Jan 2007 00:44
by javelin
No doubt the city wanted to keep it, but most of the residents don't care. Just like what the older gentleman in the news report said.
Posted: 11 Jan 2007 19:53
by TheStranger
Here's some photos of the place, including some heartbreaking post-demolition shots.
http://roadsidepeek.com/roadusa/southwe ... /index.htm
Posted: 12 Jan 2007 02:37
by javelin
A protest rally is being held Friday afternoon with classic cars (hopefully) lining Firestone Blvd. Sadly I have to work so my '69 Javelin won't be there.
Will any of this recent talk about rebuilding the old Johnie's go anywhere?