Timeline of Whittier
1784
Manuel Nieto, a retired captain who served in the Portola Expedition, was granted 300,000 plus acres by the King of Spain, stretching from the hills north of Whittier to the sea, and from the Santa Ana River to the San Gabriel River .
1835
Juan Crispin Perez received the grant for the Rancho Paso de Bartolo land that was initially property of the San Gabriel Mission.
1850 - 1852
Pio Pico, the last Mexican governor of California , purchased the Perez Grant in five parcels. Pico built his home east of the San Gabriel River and south of Whittier Blvd. , now the Pio Pico State Historic Park .
1868
Jacob F. Gerkens, a German immigrant, paid $234 for public land on the southern slope of Puente Hills. These lands were not surveyed as a part of the Rancho Paso de Bartolo.
1879
R.M. Town lost the land, which he had purchased in 1870 from Gerkens, in a foreclosure.
1880
John M. Thomas acquired 1,259 acres of land for $4,002 at public auction.
1885
The Evergreen School was built and opened the following year on the corner of Painter and County Road ( Whittier Blvd. ).
1887
The Pickering Land & Water Co. purchased 1,259 acres of land for $69,890 from J. Mill Boal. The town was named by Aquila Pickering and other Friends for Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier. Jonathan and Rebecca Bailey, Whittier 's first settlers, moved into the old ranch house on the Thomas Ranch.
1888
The Southern Pacific Railroad completed its first line to Whittier
1889
Alva Starbuck was appointed Whittier 's first postmaster.
1890
The cornerstone for the administration building of the Fred C. Nelles School was laid on February 12. The school opened in 1891 and provided work for many Whittierites.
1892
Simon Murphy hired A.L. Reed to build the flume that carried water to East Whittier and the Whittier Colony.
1894
The first Founder's Day Celebration was held on May 11 in Central Park .
1898
Whittier was incorporated as a sixth-class city.
1900
Municipal water bonds were sold to build a water plant. The Sunset Telephone & Telegraph Company was established in Whittier . The Whittier Board of Trade was organized.
1902
Manufacturing of automobiles began in Whittier by Al Bowe, a blacksmith, and H. H. Hooper, a jeweler, who made two cars.
1903
Whittier granted a 50-year franchise to the Pacific Electric Company. Southern Pacific's second railroad line, known as the "Whittier Branch," was built by the Pacific Electric.
1904
Permanent telephone service was installed by Home Telephone Co., which began service to 80 homes, was located on the corner of Bright Avenue and Philadelphia Street .
1905
The first automobile agents were established in Whittier, Saunders Brothers and Charlie Gordon. Residents voted to build Union High School (now Whittier High School ) on Philadelphia Street .
1906
Pacific Electric ran 27 cars to Whittier , which now had two national banks and two savings banks. Whittier 's output of oil was 96,000 barrels a month. Approximately 80 men were employed in the oil industry.
1907
The Carnegie Library opened at the corner of Greenleaf Avenue and Bailey Street with a $12,500 grant from Andrew Carnegie. The City of Whittier began paving Whittier Boulevard .
1910
City band concerts were held in Central Park .
1912
Whittier organized election precincts and polling places.
1914
The Pio Pico Mansion was donated to the state. The property was administered as California 's first historic state park. The Whittier Police Department was organized.
1915
Thomas Edison visited Whittier .
1921
Santa Fe Springs oil fields were discovered. The Murphy Memorial Hospital site was donated by Colonel Simon J. Murphy, Jr. in honor of his parents, and opened May 16.
1922
The first junior high school, John Muir School , was built on Hadley Street and Whittier Avenue .
1930
The Sunset Club was established as a social "keep acquainted" organization for older citizens in Whittier .
1932
Albert Einstein spoke for Whittier College in the Whittier High School Auditorium. The Whittier Symphony was founded.
1936
A Federal Building was built to house the Whittier Post Office.
1937
Whittier celebrated its Golden Jubilee.
1949
The City adopted a Charter form of government. Snow was seen for the first time in Whittier since 1932, when the temperature dipped below 27 degrees.
1955
The new City Hall was dedicated.
1957
Whittier Hospital opened.
1959
The new Whittier City Library on Washington Avenue and Mar Vista Street was built as part of the Civic Center . The Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital opened.
1961
A portion of East Whittier was annexed to Whittier , adding 28,000 people to the population, which now totaled 67,487.
1963
Redevelopment planning for uptown was started.
1964
The Rio Hondo Symphony was established from the existing Whittier Symphony.
1968
Founder's Park was created from two neglected cemeteries on Broadway Street .
1970
Whittier 's population surpassed 73,000.
1973
The Whittier Redevelopment Agency was formed.
1976
A Bicentennial Memorial Dedication of Fountains was held at Beverly and Norwalk Streets in honor of the United States Bicentennial.
1977
The Whittier Redevelopment Agency adopted a village concept for Whittier .
1979
William Penn Hotel was destroyed by fire.
1981
The Whittier Museum was established at Newlin and Philadelphia Streets.
1984
Band Concerts in Central Park were resumed for the first time in 30 years.
1987
Whittier celebrated its 100th Anniversary with festivities and parades throughout the year. The Cultural Arts Commission of Whittier was formed
http://www.whittiermuseum.org/timeline.html
Monday, February 12, 2007
Whittier Museum
About the Museum
The Whittier Historical Society is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (C) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. Therefore, it is not organized for the private gain of any individual or other organization. The specific purposes of the Whittier Historical Society are to:
Discover, collect, preserve, and display objects, documents, photographs, literary or artistic works, and other articles or materials which may establish or illustrate the history of Whittier, the Whittier area, and the State of California .
Maintain the Whittier Museum and the Museum's Collections for the education and enjoyment of the general public, as well as for research.
Supervise the operation and maintenance of the Bailey House in conjunction with the City of Whittier .
Educate the community in preserving structures and sites in the Whittier area having historical significance.
Publish and disseminate information to promote appreciation and enjoyment of the above by the widest possible number of residents of the Whittier area and its environs.
The Whittier Museum is owned and operated by the Whittier Historical Society and features exhibits of life in early Whittier .
Docents conduct tours of the museum for weekend visitors. School Tours are by appointment only.
Kid Stuff
The Children's gallery offers discovery and hands-on opportunities to explore Whittier 's past.
Community Outreach
The Whittier History Trunks are available to local Schools for "hands on" classroom use.
Planning to Visit
The Whittier Museum is a docent lead tour. We are open to the public on Saturdays & Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Schools tours are available on Tuesdays & Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon by appointment only. To schedule a tour please call the Whittier Museum.
Research is by appointment only. Office & archive hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. To schedule an appointment please call the Whittier Museum. Research is $25 an hour plus photo reproduction fees if applicable.
The Museum is closed on Mondays
Whittier Historical Society'sContact Information
Museum Phone:
(562) 945-3871
Fax:
(562) 945-9106
Address:
6755 Newlin Avenue Whittier , CA 90601
Email:
info@whittieemuseum.org
http://www.whittiermuseum.org/about.html
The Whittier Historical Society is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501 (C) (3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended. Therefore, it is not organized for the private gain of any individual or other organization. The specific purposes of the Whittier Historical Society are to:
Discover, collect, preserve, and display objects, documents, photographs, literary or artistic works, and other articles or materials which may establish or illustrate the history of Whittier, the Whittier area, and the State of California .
Maintain the Whittier Museum and the Museum's Collections for the education and enjoyment of the general public, as well as for research.
Supervise the operation and maintenance of the Bailey House in conjunction with the City of Whittier .
Educate the community in preserving structures and sites in the Whittier area having historical significance.
Publish and disseminate information to promote appreciation and enjoyment of the above by the widest possible number of residents of the Whittier area and its environs.
The Whittier Museum is owned and operated by the Whittier Historical Society and features exhibits of life in early Whittier .
Docents conduct tours of the museum for weekend visitors. School Tours are by appointment only.
Kid Stuff
The Children's gallery offers discovery and hands-on opportunities to explore Whittier 's past.
Community Outreach
The Whittier History Trunks are available to local Schools for "hands on" classroom use.
Planning to Visit
The Whittier Museum is a docent lead tour. We are open to the public on Saturdays & Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Schools tours are available on Tuesdays & Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon by appointment only. To schedule a tour please call the Whittier Museum.
Research is by appointment only. Office & archive hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. To schedule an appointment please call the Whittier Museum. Research is $25 an hour plus photo reproduction fees if applicable.
The Museum is closed on Mondays
Whittier Historical Society'sContact Information
Museum Phone:
(562) 945-3871
Fax:
(562) 945-9106
Address:
6755 Newlin Avenue Whittier , CA 90601
Email:
info@whittieemuseum.org
http://www.whittiermuseum.org/about.html
California Country Golf Club in Whittier
The California Country Club offers a natural haven for golf and relaxation in a location that is private, beautiful and convenient to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Quality, affordability and location make this private country club a popular choice among Southland golfers.
Because California Country Club was built in the 1950's, you will enjoy the aesthetic beauty of our mature tree-lined fairways. The par 72 course, with a total yardage of 6804, was designed by William Bell. The layout makes it enjoyable for the beginner, and overall yardage continues to be a challenge to even the most advanced golfer.
The California Country Club is an investor-owned private golf club (non-equity). Non-equity clubs are an increasingly popular private member club format for many reasons. One of the more popular reasons is that there are no "surprise" assessments and no responsibility for management of the Club. In an increasingly busy world, it is a real advantage to be able to go to your Club, play a leisurely round of golf and not have any of the financial or operational responsibilities to hinder your enjoyment.
In order to provide our Members with both quality and affordability in private club membership, California Country Club opens the Club to outside tournament play on Thursday and Friday as well as the traditional Monday. The additional revenue generated by these extra tournament days allows California Country Club to offer more affordable memberships than other non-equity clubs. Because most of our Members are busy professionals, they cannot play more than two to three days a week; therefore the extra tournament days are not an inconvenience. The result is a Private Club in which you as the member only pay for the days that you ordinarily are able to play.
Our excellent golf course, affordability and superior service keeps the demand for our membership strong. We invite you to apply for membership - for yourself, your family or your company. Don't miss out on this truly unique opportunity to buy that private country club membership that you have always dreamed of owning.
http://www.golfccc.com/
Because California Country Club was built in the 1950's, you will enjoy the aesthetic beauty of our mature tree-lined fairways. The par 72 course, with a total yardage of 6804, was designed by William Bell. The layout makes it enjoyable for the beginner, and overall yardage continues to be a challenge to even the most advanced golfer.
The California Country Club is an investor-owned private golf club (non-equity). Non-equity clubs are an increasingly popular private member club format for many reasons. One of the more popular reasons is that there are no "surprise" assessments and no responsibility for management of the Club. In an increasingly busy world, it is a real advantage to be able to go to your Club, play a leisurely round of golf and not have any of the financial or operational responsibilities to hinder your enjoyment.
In order to provide our Members with both quality and affordability in private club membership, California Country Club opens the Club to outside tournament play on Thursday and Friday as well as the traditional Monday. The additional revenue generated by these extra tournament days allows California Country Club to offer more affordable memberships than other non-equity clubs. Because most of our Members are busy professionals, they cannot play more than two to three days a week; therefore the extra tournament days are not an inconvenience. The result is a Private Club in which you as the member only pay for the days that you ordinarily are able to play.
Our excellent golf course, affordability and superior service keeps the demand for our membership strong. We invite you to apply for membership - for yourself, your family or your company. Don't miss out on this truly unique opportunity to buy that private country club membership that you have always dreamed of owning.
http://www.golfccc.com/
Whittier Demographics
Whittier Demographics:
As of the census of 2000, there are 83,680 people, 28,271 households, and 20,468 families residing in the city. The population density is 2,208.4/km2 (5,719.4/mi2). There are 28,977 housing units at an average density of 764.7/km2 (1,980.5/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 63.19% White, 1.22% African American, 1.32% Native American, 3.31% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 25.80% from other races, and 5.01% from two or more races. 55.89% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 28,271 households out of which 37.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% are married couples living together, 14.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% are non-families. 22.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.88 and the average family size is 3.38.
In the city the population is spread out with 28.3% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $49,256, and the median income for a family is $55,726. Males have a median income of $40,394 versus $34,223 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,409. 10.5% of the population and 7.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.7% of those under the age of 18 and 8.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
As of the census of 2000, there are 83,680 people, 28,271 households, and 20,468 families residing in the city. The population density is 2,208.4/km2 (5,719.4/mi2). There are 28,977 housing units at an average density of 764.7/km2 (1,980.5/mi2). The racial makeup of the city is 63.19% White, 1.22% African American, 1.32% Native American, 3.31% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 25.80% from other races, and 5.01% from two or more races. 55.89% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 28,271 households out of which 37.8% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% are married couples living together, 14.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.6% are non-families. 22.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.88 and the average family size is 3.38.
In the city the population is spread out with 28.3% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 33 years. For every 100 females there are 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $49,256, and the median income for a family is $55,726. Males have a median income of $40,394 versus $34,223 for females. The per capita income for the city is $21,409. 10.5% of the population and 7.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.7% of those under the age of 18 and 8.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Whittier Library Location
Whittier Central Library7344 S. Washington Ave.Whittier, CA 90602(562) 464-3450
Monday - Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PMThursday and Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMSunday: CLOSED Map to Whittier Central Library
About Whittier Central Library
Whittwood Branch Library10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.Whittier, CA 90603(562) 464-3470
Monday - Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PMWednesday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMFriday - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMSunday - CLOSED Map to Whittwood Branch Library
About Whittwood Branch Library
Monday - Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PMThursday and Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMSunday: CLOSED Map to Whittier Central Library
About Whittier Central Library
Whittwood Branch Library10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.Whittier, CA 90603(562) 464-3470
Monday - Tuesday: 12:00 PM - 9:00 PMWednesday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMFriday - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PMSunday - CLOSED Map to Whittwood Branch Library
About Whittwood Branch Library
Whittier New Resident Information
Welcome to the City of Whittier! We are pleased that you have chosen our community for your new residence. Below you will find listings for some of our utilities and services which may be helpful to you as you begin your new life in our wonderful City. Additional listings for City services can be found on this website under the heading City Services. Also, see the other Community Resources pages for information about social services and recreational organizations based in Whittier.
Utilities
Cable
Charter Communications 13300 E. Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 1-800-681-9997 www.chartercom.com
Electric
Southern California Edison 1-800-655-4555 www.sce.com
Gas
Southern California Gas Company 1-800-427-2200 www.socalgas.com
Telephone
Telephone – Verizon (GTE)1-800-483-4000www.verizon.com
Water
Whittier Water Department – 562-464-3530Suburban Water Systems – 562-944-8219 – www.suburbanwatersystems.comSan Gabriel Valley Water Company – 562-699-1041 – www.sgvwater.com
Trash
Whittier Sanitation Department – 562-464-3530Consolidated Disposal Service, Inc. – 562-946-6441Waste Management – 1-800-266-7551 – www.wm.com City Landfill – 562-907-7750
After Hours City Emergency
562-695-5214
Services
Courts
Whittier Superior Courthouse7339 Painter AvenueWhittier, CA 562-907-3125
Police
Whittier Police Department7315 Painter AvenueWhittier, CA 562-945-8250www.whittierpd.org
Fire
Los Angeles County Fire DepartmentEmergencies – Dial 911PIO Office – 323-881-2411www.lacofd.org
Unincorporated Areas
Los Angeles County Website for Unincorporated WhittierCall (888) 924-4357 for assistance with County Services such as Animal Care & Control, Fire, Parks, Recreation, Libraries, Public Works, Regional Planning, Health Services, Sheriff, etc...or visit http://whittier.lacounty.info
Hospitals
Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital 12401 E. Washington BoulevardWhittier, CA 562-698-0811 www.whittierpres.com
Whittier Hospital Medical Center 9080 S. Colima Road Whittier, CA 562-945-3561www.whittierhospital.com
Clinics
L.A. County Health Services Department 7643 Painter Avenue Whittier, CA 562-464-5350 www.ladhs.org
Animal Control
L.A. County Department of Animal Control 562-940-6898 http://animalcontrol.co.la.ca.us
US Postal Service
1-800-275-8777www.usps.com
8520 S. MichiganWhittier, CA 562-693-9561
6709 Washington Ave.Whittier, CA 562-698-4810
10053 Whittwood LaneWhittier, CA562-947-4337
Newspapers
Daily News 7612 S. Greenleaf AvenueWhittier, CA 562-698-0955 www.whittierdailynews Los Angeles Times 1-800-252-9141 www.latimes.com
Schools
Whittier City Elementary School District7211 S. Whittier Avenue 562-789-3000 www.whittiercity.k12.ca.us
East Whittier City School District 14535 E. Whittier Boulevard 562-698-0351www.ewcsd.k12.ca.us
Whittier Union High School District 9401 S. Painter Avenue562-698-8121 www.wuhsd.k12.ca.us
Whittier College 13406 E. Philadelphia 562-907-4200 www.whittier.edu
Rio Hondo Community College3600 S. Workman Mill Road 562-692-0921 www.riohondo.edu
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Utilities
Cable
Charter Communications 13300 E. Whittier Blvd. Whittier, CA 1-800-681-9997 www.chartercom.com
Electric
Southern California Edison 1-800-655-4555 www.sce.com
Gas
Southern California Gas Company 1-800-427-2200 www.socalgas.com
Telephone
Telephone – Verizon (GTE)1-800-483-4000www.verizon.com
Water
Whittier Water Department – 562-464-3530Suburban Water Systems – 562-944-8219 – www.suburbanwatersystems.comSan Gabriel Valley Water Company – 562-699-1041 – www.sgvwater.com
Trash
Whittier Sanitation Department – 562-464-3530Consolidated Disposal Service, Inc. – 562-946-6441Waste Management – 1-800-266-7551 – www.wm.com City Landfill – 562-907-7750
After Hours City Emergency
562-695-5214
Services
Courts
Whittier Superior Courthouse7339 Painter AvenueWhittier, CA 562-907-3125
Police
Whittier Police Department7315 Painter AvenueWhittier, CA 562-945-8250www.whittierpd.org
Fire
Los Angeles County Fire DepartmentEmergencies – Dial 911PIO Office – 323-881-2411www.lacofd.org
Unincorporated Areas
Los Angeles County Website for Unincorporated WhittierCall (888) 924-4357 for assistance with County Services such as Animal Care & Control, Fire, Parks, Recreation, Libraries, Public Works, Regional Planning, Health Services, Sheriff, etc...or visit http://whittier.lacounty.info
Hospitals
Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital 12401 E. Washington BoulevardWhittier, CA 562-698-0811 www.whittierpres.com
Whittier Hospital Medical Center 9080 S. Colima Road Whittier, CA 562-945-3561www.whittierhospital.com
Clinics
L.A. County Health Services Department 7643 Painter Avenue Whittier, CA 562-464-5350 www.ladhs.org
Animal Control
L.A. County Department of Animal Control 562-940-6898 http://animalcontrol.co.la.ca.us
US Postal Service
1-800-275-8777www.usps.com
8520 S. MichiganWhittier, CA 562-693-9561
6709 Washington Ave.Whittier, CA 562-698-4810
10053 Whittwood LaneWhittier, CA562-947-4337
Newspapers
Daily News 7612 S. Greenleaf AvenueWhittier, CA 562-698-0955 www.whittierdailynews Los Angeles Times 1-800-252-9141 www.latimes.com
Schools
Whittier City Elementary School District7211 S. Whittier Avenue 562-789-3000 www.whittiercity.k12.ca.us
East Whittier City School District 14535 E. Whittier Boulevard 562-698-0351www.ewcsd.k12.ca.us
Whittier Union High School District 9401 S. Painter Avenue562-698-8121 www.wuhsd.k12.ca.us
Whittier College 13406 E. Philadelphia 562-907-4200 www.whittier.edu
Rio Hondo Community College3600 S. Workman Mill Road 562-692-0921 www.riohondo.edu
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Whittier Economic Outlook
The City of Whittier’s economic future looks bright. The Community Development Department has been busy with the commercial revitalization through planning, redevelopment and economic development efforts. With the success of the recently redeveloped Whittwood Town Center combined with the new Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan, and the new Uptown Specific Plan currently being finalized, the City is in an excellent position for economic vitality and success.
The new Whittwood Town Center has had a positive impact on the community and on the City’s sales tax growth. Prior to the redevelopment of Whittwood, the City had not experienced the sales tax growth that is brought by new retail development. The sale of the 65-acre mall in 2002 has afforded the City the opportunity to grow its sales tax base with new retail and restaurant tenants. Target, Cost Plus World Market, Red Robin and Panera Bread have joined existing anchor tenants such as JC Penny, Sears, Mervyns for a complete transformation of the once struggling enclosed mall. To view pictures of the Whittwood Town Center, click here.
The City Council set the table for development and redevelopment on Whittier Boulevard with the adoption of the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan in 2005. The template includes five distinct districts: Gateway Segment, Workplace District, Shopping Center Clusters, Commercial Expansion/Auto Sales Segment, and Neighborhood Spine. With this new zoning the area is entertaining economic revitalization and proactive economic development. The City’s Community Development Department has already received plans for a 96-unit residential project on the east end of the Boulevard.
The City contracted Moule and Polyzoides, an urban design and planning firm, to create a new Uptown Whittier Specific Plan, which will provide guidelines for well-designed new investment and help to revitalize the Uptown area. Led by Stefanos Polyzoides, the Uptown Specific Plan consultant team includes experts from across the country. One of the proposed changes in Uptown is to move from traditional land use zoning to a form-based code. Form-based codes focus on the design aspects of development; for example, how a proposed building fits the existing buildings and street. Other concepts presented include a “park once” parking strategy; enhanced sidewalks to provide for a more pedestrian friendly environment; and more residential housing to support the businesses and provide for a culture that promotes a stronger sense of place. The community’s enthusiasm and participation in the creation of the new Specific Plan by the community have been inspiring. The City is looking forward to seeing the transformation of Uptown and the return of a thriving business district. The Plan is expected to be adopted by Spring 2007. To view the Draft Uptown Specific Plan, click here.
In fiscal year 2004-2005, the City took a more proactive role in economic development activities particularly by hiring a Business Development Manager and bringing business attraction and marketing in-house under the Community Development Department. The partnership with the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce remains strong. Together, the City and the Chamber, play an active role in assisting businesses to ensure a thriving community.For more information about City initiatives and Economic Development in the City of Whittier, please call the Community Development Department at (562)464-3380
The new Whittwood Town Center has had a positive impact on the community and on the City’s sales tax growth. Prior to the redevelopment of Whittwood, the City had not experienced the sales tax growth that is brought by new retail development. The sale of the 65-acre mall in 2002 has afforded the City the opportunity to grow its sales tax base with new retail and restaurant tenants. Target, Cost Plus World Market, Red Robin and Panera Bread have joined existing anchor tenants such as JC Penny, Sears, Mervyns for a complete transformation of the once struggling enclosed mall. To view pictures of the Whittwood Town Center, click here.
The City Council set the table for development and redevelopment on Whittier Boulevard with the adoption of the Whittier Boulevard Specific Plan in 2005. The template includes five distinct districts: Gateway Segment, Workplace District, Shopping Center Clusters, Commercial Expansion/Auto Sales Segment, and Neighborhood Spine. With this new zoning the area is entertaining economic revitalization and proactive economic development. The City’s Community Development Department has already received plans for a 96-unit residential project on the east end of the Boulevard.
The City contracted Moule and Polyzoides, an urban design and planning firm, to create a new Uptown Whittier Specific Plan, which will provide guidelines for well-designed new investment and help to revitalize the Uptown area. Led by Stefanos Polyzoides, the Uptown Specific Plan consultant team includes experts from across the country. One of the proposed changes in Uptown is to move from traditional land use zoning to a form-based code. Form-based codes focus on the design aspects of development; for example, how a proposed building fits the existing buildings and street. Other concepts presented include a “park once” parking strategy; enhanced sidewalks to provide for a more pedestrian friendly environment; and more residential housing to support the businesses and provide for a culture that promotes a stronger sense of place. The community’s enthusiasm and participation in the creation of the new Specific Plan by the community have been inspiring. The City is looking forward to seeing the transformation of Uptown and the return of a thriving business district. The Plan is expected to be adopted by Spring 2007. To view the Draft Uptown Specific Plan, click here.
In fiscal year 2004-2005, the City took a more proactive role in economic development activities particularly by hiring a Business Development Manager and bringing business attraction and marketing in-house under the Community Development Department. The partnership with the Whittier Area Chamber of Commerce remains strong. Together, the City and the Chamber, play an active role in assisting businesses to ensure a thriving community.For more information about City initiatives and Economic Development in the City of Whittier, please call the Community Development Department at (562)464-3380
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