The Euclid Tower is one of the most visible structures within the community of City Heights. The ornamental Tower stands 80 feet tall and sits atop a two-story commercial structure that was originally built in 1932 as a drive-in soda fountain. The Tower, along with the Egyptian Garage and Silverado Ballroom marked the end of the streetcar line along University and Euclid Avenues. The structures were built in an effort to provide employment during the Great Depression. The original white facade was replaced with bright colors and geometric designs to reflect the ethnic diversity of City Heights, as part of a community driven public art project in 1995. In 1999, the Tower section began leaning dangerously and was torn down for safety reasons. Restoration of the Tower was of particular importance to the community, who believed it would positively affect the neighborhood character.
When the Redevelopment Agency became involved in the restoration of the Tower, a joint public meeting of the City Heights Redevelopment Project Area Committee and the City Heights Planning Area Committee was convened to discuss the façade of the Tower. Community members recommended restoring the Tower with the colorful public art facade. In May 2007, the Redevelopment Agency approved funding for the Tower restoration.
Stanford Sign & Awning completed the Tower restoration in March 2009 based on the design by Richard Bundy of Architects Richard Bundy & David Thompson. The restored Tower is constructed of lightweight aluminum cladding on steel I-beams—which are lighter than the original materials—ensuring a long life for the new Tower structure. The restored Tower has become a focal point within the City Heights community and has renewed interest in the historic rehabilitation of the adjacent Silverado Ballroom and Egyptian Garage.
I love this Tower!
orchid
City Heights Tower
An Orchid for Euclid Tower
Euclid Tower
I concur with this nomination!!
The Euclid Tower has colorful tiles done by local children