The Casa De Cadillac building at 14401 Van Nuys Blvd. is still selling cars. It was designed in 1948 by Randall Duell in a glass box modernist look that has the wonderful script name still intact. It has been an example of Googie architecture. Movies filmed here include“Transformers” and “Commando.”Further east at 4211 Riverside Dr is the original Bob’s Big Boy. Wayne McAllister who designed Las Vegas strip hotels, was responsible for the Bob’s design called Late Moderne but again an example of Googie design. It has the neon and the same car centric vibe that it was originally designed for, that is shakes and car hops. It was featured in the 1995 heist film, “Heat.”

If you enjoy reading these vignettes each month, you may want to check out my father-in-law’s book, Westside Stories. It’s a memoir/history of growing up on the Westside of Los Angeles in the 1940s and 1950s with great photos, anecdotes and stories. Perfect for the history buff/enthusiast in your family! It’s available for purchase at http://www.americasgroup.com/Westside-Stories-Book.html