Van de Kamp's Bakery Traditional Cache
f0t0m0m: Time to retire this....
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
This cache is slightly smaller than a 35 mm film container
Built in 1930, the Van de Kamp’s Bakery’s building served as headquarters for the chain of bakeries and coffee shops whose trademark “windmill” buildings and neon signs prevailed throughout mid-20th century Los Angeles. The building was designed by New York architect J. Edward Hopkins to resemble a Dutch 16th century farmhouse, reflecting the company’s corporate image. The building remains the only example of an industrial plant in the Dutch Renaissance Revival style. Fondly known as the “Taj Mahal of all bakeries,” Van de Kamp’s was declared a cultural monument in 1992, recognizing its unique place in Los Angeles architecture.
Sadly, the building deteriorated and fell prey to vandalism after the company went out of business in 1990. Unwilling to see an architectural landmark erased from history, the Los Angeles Conservancy and a coalition of 20 community organizations blocked the demolition vote at the Planning Commission, attracting the attention of Senator Richard Polanco, who in turn brought $3 million in state funds to build a community college on the site.
Initially, the District believed it would save only the façade of the building and construct around it, but a more thorough study found that rehabilitation of the existing structure was more cost-effective. The historic building will serve as the centerpiece of the campus that will be a true ‘oasis’ of learning for Northeast L.A. The new campus will feature over 30,000 square feet of new classrooms, offices, and childcare space.
The cache location is in the parking lot of a restaurant, which is adjacent to the Van de Kamp's site.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
YnzcCbfg
Treasures
You'll collect a digital Treasure from one of these collections when you find and log this geocache:
Loading Treasures