No. 59 - Eagle Rock City Hall

Eagle Rock City Hall
1922
2035 Colorado Boulevard – map
Declared: 2/26/69

Eagle Rock became a city in 1906 and was incorporated in 1911. In 1922, the city built this three-story, Spanish-influenced building as its City Hall. (Had I been one of the city fathers, I, too, would’ve chosen a spot for construction just two doors up from The Oinkster.) However, it didn’t stay City Hall for long.

A year later, on March 27, by a majority of 297 votes, Eagle Rock residents voted in favor of becoming the first city to be acquired by Los Angeles through annexation. 1,917 Eagle Rockers cast their ballots.

Here are some bits and pieces from a March 29, 1923, Los Angeles Times article titled “In Union is Strength”:

“… Eagle Rock … which has on three or four occasions voted down the proposition to annex to the big town, has finally made the connection.”

“[Eagle Rock] is now said to house some 8000 amiable souls.”

“… future problem of water and drainage and the desire to be identified with the Greater Los Angeles gave wisdom to the choice of the voters…”

“It is now predicted that Glendale will not much longer hold aloof for the big city.” (Ha! – ed.)

Hats off to the Cultural Heritage Board for making this a landmark back in 1969. However, take a look at the dedication plaque below. Example of Los Angeles City’s Absorption of Small Southland Communities. Ouch! It’s good to be recognized, but recognized for being a small fish gobbled up by a bigger fish?

In the lobby, there are a series of five murals showing the history of Eagle Rock. The one facing you as you walk inside is by Concie Kibbe.

Over to your right, there are paintings by Marjorie Saron Moores and Jackie Carty.

Then, towards you left, are murals by Liz Kerns and Kate Pedigo.

In 1971, the old City Hall was rededicated after refurbishing, with a big thanks to the Eagle Rock Valley Historical Society.

The building received a seismic upgrade and another rededication in 1994. A rerededication.

Outside in the front, there are two monuments – rocks, really. The first, from 1999, is “dedicated to the Filipino Veterans who fought side by side with the American forces during WWII in the Philippines.”

The other in Veterans’ Day memorial from last year.

Today, Eagle Rock City Hall serves as headquarters for the city council member serving the 14th District, José Huizar. The building also houses an office for the Department of Building and Safety. Community meetings are held here, too.

Up next: Biltmore Hotel