Old Van Nuys Library. b. 1927

There are some quietly dignified old civic buildings along Sylvan Street in Van Nuys. The former library, for example, is a classical balanced structure with a Spanish tile roof. Within walking distance is the now defunct Post Office, also designed in a symmetrical style.

On the west side of Sylvan Street is the Art Deco Van Nuys City Hall, erected in 1933, and now undergoing “seismic retrofit and historic restoration”. There is beautiful bas relief on the facade. Remember this was built during the depths of the Depression! Within two blocks, are every civic need: a library, banks, post office, city hall, churches, barber shops, medical offices.

Van Nuys has “good bones”, with an early 20th Century infrastructure that will work even better in the 21st.

For archival photos of the library, post office and Van Nuys City Hall, please visit the LA Public Library digital collections.