News Summary
In Huntington Beach, California, a 500-pound granite monument symbolizes community resilience against a failed proposal for a 94-foot sign tower at the Westfair Shopping Center. This unique structure commemorates the democratic process and the collective spirit of local residents who opposed the tower. Positioned near Petco and Rite Aid, the monument echoes the sentiments of the community from 1970, serving as a lighthearted reminder of the ongoing balance between development and local character in Huntington Beach.
Huntington Beach’s Spiteful Monument: A Commemoration of Community Spirit
In the coastal town of Huntington Beach, California, a rather unique monument is capturing the attention of locals and visitors alike. This curious piece of history weighs in at a hefty 500 pounds, and it tells a tale of a community standing tall against a controversial proposal. It all dates back to a failed project involving a 94-foot sign tower that was to grace the Westfair Shopping Center, designed by the notable architect Lloyd Wright.
The Tale of the Monument
This imposing monument is not just a random structure; it’s a granite plaque that serves as a testament to the democratic process and community resilience. It fondly recalls how local residents rallied together to express their disapproval of the towering sign, which was envisioned to take position at the shopping center back in the day. It’s intended to commemorate a collective decision that led to the shopping center’s opening in May 1970—without the tower, mind you!
Why the Tower Never Took Off
At the heart of this story lies the Westfair Shopping Center, conveniently located at the intersection of Warner Avenue and Springdale Street, close to the picturesque Sunset Beach. The shopping center sprawls over a 6-acre area and boasts an attractive design that features glass storefronts and ample parking space. It notably hosted larger anchor stores, including a Safeway grocery store, and even included one of only two unique gas station designs by the Wright family.
The architectural aesthetics showcase variations of diamond shapes, making it a visual treat that was meant to reflect the area’s growth during the time of oilfield fortunes. However, the potential addition of the towering sign was met with staunch opposition from community members, who felt it would mar the local vibe and disrupt the peaceful aesthetic of the area.
Reflections from 2007
Years later, developer Stanley Fann expressed his sentiments regarding the missed opportunity. In an interview from 2007, he shared a sense of regret about the tower project never getting off the ground, explaining how he believed it could have been a significant enhancement to the shopping center’s appeal and visibility.
A Lasting Reminder
Today, the monument stands proudly near a Petco and a Rite Aid pharmacy, serving as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between developers and community desires. The plaque itself is inscribed with sarcastic messages that echo the community’s sentiments back in 1970, embodying a spirit of unity among residents who believe in maintaining the character of their beloved town.
The granite memorial, with its 66 words of reflection, might seem a bit spiteful at first glance, but it’s also a lighthearted reminder of how sometimes, the community truly knows best. While the lofty dreams of towers may fade away, the passion of the people lives on in their fight to keep Huntington Beach just the way they like it.
So next time you find yourself in Huntington Beach, take a moment to stroll by Westfair Shopping Center, glimpse at the monument, and appreciate a spiteful yet heartfelt piece of local history that showcases the unwavering spirit of a community that firmly believes in its voice.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tragic Collision in Huntington Beach Claims Lives of Two Men
GEICO Opens New Technology Hub in Palo Alto
Moment of Clarity Launches Operation Clarity in Santa Ana
Peter Gasparro Named Midwest Channel Manager of the Year
Seal Beach Prepares for National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Huntington Beach City Council Takes Action on Election Security
Huntington Beach Celebrates Art with Unique Exhibition
California Enacts Senate Bill 291 to Strengthen Workers’ Compensation Compliance
California Homeowners Face 35.8% Insurance Rate Increase
Law Offices of Brent W. Caldwell Expands Legal Resources
Additional Resources
- SFGate: Huntington Beach’s Spiteful Monument
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- Flying Penguin
- Google Search: Huntington Beach Westfair Shopping Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntington Beach
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
