Ren's Did You Know ? - Miracle Mile: A Brief History

 

After the ‘20s, Wilshire Blvd. west of Western--previously an unpaved farm road--was integrated into the Pacific Electric Railroad System.
Developer A.W. Ross saw potential in this and other aspects of the area. He had a vision of it as a prosperous new retail and business zone so he bought the land for $54,000 and set about molding and expanding the quarter. He is credited with, among other things, creating a car-oriented commercial district (its window displays were progressive for the time, bold and catering to drivers and passengers in passing cars). It was also the first linear Downtown area.
Soon, retail heavyweights like May Company (at Wilshire and Fairfax) and Desmonds settled into the area. As Los Angeles drew new residents and affluence spread throughout the city, Ross’ section became increasingly valuable and attractive to people. Then, the Wilshire strip between La Brea and Fairfax was named ‘The Miracle Mile’ as a testament to its miraculous ascension.
In the ‘50s and ‘60s Miracle Mile went into a decline. Yet, even during that era, some ‘stars were born,’ namely the famous Johnie’s Coffee Shop--a favorite Hollywood film location. The diner was first opened in 1955 (as Romeo’s Times Square) and designed in the Googie style of architecture.

Miracle Mile Today

During the ‘90s, Miracle Mile and its environs experienced a revitalization. Newcomers and natives appreciated (and continue to appreciate) its Art Deco and Streamline Moderne design and architecture. The area is always a favorite with local architecture and preservation organizations like The Los Angeles Conservancy, its ModCom splinter group and The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. The aforementioned continue in their tireless efforts to preserve the area and to share its rich design history with visitors and locals via tours and events.
Miracle Mile’s architectural sights aren’t, of course, limited to Art Deco, Streamline Moderne and Googie structures. During the '90s, LACMA acquired the old May Company building and later in the turn of the millennium years there was a buzz around the museum’s revamp under the helm of world-renowned architect Renzo Piano. This greatly contributed to the renewed interest in the quarter.
Today, Miracle Mile is home to residents of all ages. And its spirit of pioneering design and city planning continues to be celebrated. Beyond the aforementioned organizations, the area’s Mid City West Community Council has also done its part to bring together neighborhood locals and people from other areas to experience the best of Miracle Mile. The council founded the annual Miracle Mile Art Walk in 2005.