Los Angeles Sites

In 1939, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) helped carry out improvements at 109th St Pool in Los Angeles, CA. Sixty-six people were employed for 53,300 man hours total. The pool was extensively renovated circa 2015.

Seventy-Fifth Street Elementary, which opened in 1922, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1934. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and proceeded in two cycles, 1934-35 and 1935-37. The first cycle began in Spring 1934, lasted 21 months, included over 130 schools, cost ~$10,000,000 (30% funded by PWA grants), and employed ~3,000 workers. The second cycle began in December...

Abraham Lincoln High School in Los Angeles, CA was built with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1936-38. The original Lincoln High School, located across Lincoln Park Ave, was subsequently demolished and converted into athletic fields. The new campus's PWA Moderne-style buildings were designed by architect Albert C. Martin and built by the Dell E. Webb Construction Company. These include the tile-roofed auditorium, administration, and home economics buildings, which all survive. The provenance of the bas-reliefs on the exterior of home economics building and auditorium—titled "Home Economics" and "Speech," respectively—is unclear, as is that of the mural pictured here....

Aldama Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1936-37. The main building, which combines elements of PWA Moderne and Mission Revival styles, was remodeled by architect Howard Schroeder and contractor Arthur Pinner Jr for a total of $55,548. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and proceeded in two cycles, 1934-35 and 1935-37. The first...

In 1936-37, a boys' gym was built on the campus of Alexander Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, CA. Designed by architects John C. Austin and Frederic M. Ashley, the single-story PWA Moderne structure survives as the "North Gym" directly east of the track/football field. Construction totaled $31,871 and was partially funded by the Public Works Administration (PWA). The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District...

In 1941, an unknown artist created a marble sculpture of Alexander Hamilton for Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, CA. Completed under the auspices of the Work Projects Administration Arts Project (WPAAP), the 6 foot 10 inch high sculpture depicts a young Alexander Hamilton dressed in knee breeches, a vest and a long coat. It is located in the main entrance foyer.

Alexandria Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA was renovated with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1936. Designed by architect C. F. Skilling, the PWA Moderne building—including the attached auditorium—feature Mission Revival elements. Note the tile roof and archway above the front entrance on Oakwood Ave. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and proceeded in two cycles, 1934-35 and 1935-37. The...

In 1936, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) made improvements to Algin Sutton Recreation Center (formerly Manchester Park) in Los Angeles, CA. The project included improvements to the swimming pool and community buildings, grading of athletic fields, and landscaping of the grounds. As of 2025, it appears the original bath house survives facing onto W 88th St (albeit renovated/modernized). The pool has been relocated slightly north and the athletic fields have likely been replaced since the New Deal. Algin Sutton Recreation Center was one of 43 public parks in Los Angeles improved by the WPA under a project approved in February 1936. The...

The Work Projects Administration (WPA) built the Aliso St Viaduct in Los Angeles, CA, between 1940 and 1943. Constructed as a "link in the express highway system envisaged for the Los Angeles metropolitan area," the 2,787-foot viaduct crosses the Los Angeles River as well as city streets and rail lines to connect today's Santa Ana (US 101) and San Bernardino (I-10) Freeways ("Aliso Bridge nearly Ready," LA Times, Nov 8, 1942). Originally, the lanes of the highway were separated by Pacific Electric tracks running down the center of the viaduct. The state, county, and city provided $291,000 each; the Santa Fe, Union...

Aliso Village was the tenth and final development in Los Angeles, CA to be completed under the city’s New Deal–era public housing program. In 1941-43, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) constructed 10 public housing developments for $16 million, funded 10% by city bonds and 90% by federal loans from the United States Housing Authority (USHA). Located in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, Aliso Village was the largest housing project west of the Mississippi upon its completion in 1943. In 1941, HACLA cleared 417 structures in an area of Boyle Heights known as “the Flats” or “Russia Town.”...

Alta Loma Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1935-36. It appears that the single-story PWA Moderne buildings on Vineyard Ave and Saturn St were either built or renovated in 1935. The following year, the auditorium on St Elmo Dr was constructed. Designed by architect Charles M. Hutchison and built by the Jones Brothers, the single-story PWA Moderne auditorium cost $29,980. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May...

The Angeles Crest Highway in Los Angeles County, CA was constructed between 1929 and 1956 by the California State Division of Highways (today’s Caltrans) with help from the federal government via the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads (today’s Federal Highway Administration). During the New Deal, the Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) itself received funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) as well as the regular federal budget. The approximately 27-mile section of the Angeles Crest Highway from the head of the Arroyo Seco to Cedar Springs was built between 1933 and 1940. Work on the 2.5-mile section from Cedar Springs to...

Angeles Mesa Elementary School, which opened in 1917, was renovated with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1934 and 1935. In January 1934, the PWA allocated $9,380,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the rehabilitation of schools damaged in the severe 1933 Long Beach earthquake.  One hundred and thirty schools would benefit from the system-wide loan and grant, with 2,500 men to be employed in rehabilitation work over 21 months. Upon receiving news of the PWA allocation, Board of Education member Arthur Eckman told the Los Angeles Times, “I am sure that every member of the board agrees with...

Artist Adrien Machefert painted a mural, "Pilgrim's Harvest Festival," at Ann Street Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA. He was funded by the Federal Arts Project (FAP). "Adrien Machefert, a man past fifty, was born in San Jose, California, and started drawing for San Francisco newspapers at the age of seventeen. Following fourteen years doing portrait and landscape painting on the Island of Majorca, Mr. Machefert returned two and a half years ago to California and has since been working for FAP most of the time" (Wells, p. 22). Machefert's other New Deal–funded murals in the region include "All Nations" at Ninth...

A two-story addition was made to Aragon Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) in 1936-37. The eight-room addition was designed by architect Marcus P. Miller and built by Jones Brothers for $65,280. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and proceeded in two cycles, 1934-35 and 1935-37. The first cycle began in Spring 1934, lasted 21...

In 1936-37, a two-story, 23-room building was constructed at Arlington Heights Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA). Architect Roland E. Coate designed and the Atlas Construction Company built the PWA Moderne building—including an auditorium wing—for $165,200. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake was the single largest PWA funded program in the country, totaling ~$34.7 million (LA Times, May 23, 1937).  It was overseen by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and proceeded in two cycles, 1934-35 and 1935-37. The first cycle began in Spring...

The 9.2-mile concrete Arroyo Seco Flood Control Channel in Los Angeles, CA, was constructed between 1935 and 1940 under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Prior to channelization, the Arroyo Seco seasonal river was notorious for flooding. The flood control project was undertaken to limit damage to surrounding communities and to allow for construction of the Arroyo Seco Parkway connecting Los Angeles to Pasadena. (In fact, excavation of the channel provided material for rough grading of the parkway.) Sponsored by the city of Los Angeles—with planning and construction overseen by the L.A. Board of Public Works—the channelization project was...

One of the oldest freeways in the United States, the Arroyo Seco Parkway (today’s Pasadena Freeway) is an 8.2-mile road connecting Los Angeles and Pasadena, CA. It was built by the California State Division of Highways (today’s Caltrans) in three stages between 1938 and 1953, with the first two stages completed during the New Deal. The first 6-mile stage was built between 1938 and 1941; the second 2.2-mile stage (also known as the "Southerly Extension") was built between 1940 and 1943. There is some dispute about the sources of funding, but we know the federal government contributed via the U.S....

This narrow concrete sidewalk and stairway connecting Solano Avenue and Academy Road was built by the WPA in 1941. Located along the Arroyo Seco Parkway near the Solano Ave. Elementary School.

The Avenue 26 Bridge over Arroyo Seco Parkway (today’s Pasadena Freeway) in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1939 by the California State Division of Highways with Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. Although the plaque on this bridge appears to have been removed, other similar bridges over Arroyo Seco Parkway feature extant PWA plaques. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were needed for safe and easy crossings, and were deemed...

The Avenue 43 Bridge over Arroyo Seco Parkway (today’s Pasadena Freeway) in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1939 by the California State Division of Highways with Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. Although the bridge in unmarked, other similar bridges over Arroyo Seco Parkway feature extant PWA plaques. The Avenue 43 onramp over the Arroyo Seco Flood Control Channel was added in 1940. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were...

The Avenue 52 Bridge over Arroyo Seco Parkway (today’s Pasadena Freeway) in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1939 by the California State Division of Highways with Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. Although the plaque on this bridge has been painted over, other similar bridges over Arroyo Seco Parkway feature extant PWA plaques. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were needed for safe and easy crossings, and were deemed necessary...

The Avenue 64 Bridge—also known as the Marmion Way Bridge—over Arroyo Seco Parkway (today's Pasadena Freeway) in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1940 by the California State Division of Highways with $60,554 in Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were needed for safe and easy crossings, and were deemed necessary to maintain established community links in areas separated by the newly constructed parkway. Pedestrian...

The College St. Bridge over Arroyo Seco Parkway (today’s Pasadena Freeway) in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1939 by the California State Division of Highways with Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were needed for safe and easy crossings, and were deemed necessary to maintain established community links in areas separated by the newly constructed parkway. Pedestrian bridges and equestrian tunnels were similarly intended...

The Park Row Dr. Bridge over Arroyo Seco Parkway (today’s Pasadena Freeway) in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1941 by the California State Division of Highways with Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. Although this bridge in unmarked, other similar bridges over Arroyo Seco Parkway feature extant PWA plaques. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were needed for safe and easy crossings, and were deemed necessary to maintain established community...

The Pasadena Avenue Bridge over the Arroyo Seco Parkway and Flood Control Channel in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1940 by the California State Division of Highways with Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. Originally built prior to 1890 and replaced in 1904, the PWA's 78-foot concrete tee beam bridge survives today. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were needed for safe and easy crossings, and were deemed necessary to...

The Stadium Way Bridge over Arroyo Seco Parkway (today’s Pasadena Freeway) in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1942 by the California State Division of Highways with Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. Although this bridge is unmarked, other similar bridges over Arroyo Seco Parkway feature extant PWA plaques. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were needed for safe and easy crossings, and were deemed necessary to maintain established community links...

The Via Marisol Bridge over Arroyo Seco Parkway (today’s Pasadena Freeway) in Los Angeles, CA was constructed in 1939 by the California State Division of Highways with Public Works Administration (PWA) funding. Although the plaque on this bridge has been removed, other similar bridges over Arroyo Seco Parkway feature extant PWA plaques. When the first two stages of the Parkway were completed in 1943, 26 new bridges had been built along its 8.2-mile length, many with Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor. The Division of Highways Bridge Department supervised construction. “ridges were needed for safe and easy crossings, and were deemed necessary to...

Ascot Avenue Elementary School in Los Angeles, CA was rebuilt following the 1933 Long Beach earthquake with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA). In 1936, the main building was remodeled by architect A. C. Munson for a total of $44,780. Extensive additions were made to the campus in 2023-25, however Munson's 1936 PWA Moderne building appears to survive at the rear of campus; it is only visible from E 45th St due to the construction of new buildings on E Vernon Ave and Ascot Ave. The reconstruction and renovation of Los Angeles schools damaged by the 1933 Long Beach earthquake...

This community park in East Los Angeles was constructed by the WPA. The park and its central building are still in use and features a more recently constructed swimming pool and playground.

Avalon Gardens was one of the developments in Los Angeles, CA completed under the city’s New Deal–era public housing program. In 1941-43, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) constructed 10 public housing developments for $16 million, funded 10% by city bonds and 90% by federal loans from the United States Housing Authority (USHA). Located on 14.9 acres of land in southeast Los Angeles, Avalon Gardens was constructed between November 1941 and April 1942. It received additional funding from the Federal Housing Authority (FHA). Avalon Gardens featured 62 frame-and-stucco bungalow-style residences, including apartment buildings, scattered single-family homes, and...

A 1939 report on the WPA's progress in Southern California described the agency's extensive involvement in a major roads project improving Balboa Avenue: "The Balboa Avenue Improvement, Work Project No. 645, was sponsored by the City of Los Angeles to provide a high speed traffic artery between San Fernando Road and Ventura Boulevard through San Fernando Valley. When completed, this street which is primarily a farm-to-market road, will serve, indirectly, a potentially enormous agricultural area by connecting these two major State Highways. The total length of this 54' roadway will be 9.8 miles, which will require 335,000 cubic yards of excavation, nearly...

The 10-mile concrete Ballona Creek Channel in Los Angeles, CA was constructed by Works Progress Administration (WPA) crews under Army Corps of Engineers supervision between 1935 and 1939. "Channelization" was a pillar of the massive flood-control project undertaken by the LA County Flood Control District in collaboration with the Corps. Ballona Creek flows through Culver City and Del Rey before emptying into Santa Monica Bay between Marina del Rey and Playa del Rey. The section between Vista del Mar and La Salle Ave was channelized in 1935-36; the section between Washington Blvd and Redondo Blvd in 1936-37; and the sections between...

The federal government in the form of the US Army Corps of Engineers played an instrumental role in developing the Ballona Creek waterway in Los Angeles, which helps drain the Los Angeles basin from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The section from the Pacific Ocean to Vista del Mar was started in 1938 and completed in 1939. The Vista del Mar to La Salle Ave section was started in 1935 and completed in 1936. The La Salle Ave. to Washington Blvd. section was started 1938 and completed 1939. The Washington Blvd. to Redondo Blvd. section was started in...

The federal government in the form of the US Army Corps of Engineers played an instrumental role in developing the Ballona Creek waterway in Los Angeles, which helps drain the Los Angeles basin from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The section from the Pacific Ocean to Vista del Mar was started in 1938 and completed in 1939. The Vista del Mar to La Salle Ave section was started in 1935 and completed in 1936. The La Salle Ave. to Washington Blvd. section was started 1938 and completed 1939. The Washington Blvd. to Redondo Blvd. section was started in...

The federal government in the form of the US Army Corps of Engineers played an instrumental role in developing the Ballona Creek waterway in Los Angeles, which helps drain the Los Angeles basin from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The section from the Pacific Ocean to Vista del Mar was started in 1938 and completed in 1939. The Vista del Mar to La Salle Ave section was started in 1935 and completed in 1936. The La Salle Ave. to Washington Blvd. section was started 1938 and completed 1939. The Washington Blvd. to Redondo Blvd. section was started in...

The federal government in the form of the US Army Corps of Engineers played an instrumental role in developing the Ballona Creek waterway in Los Angeles, which helps drain the Los Angeles basin from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The section from the Pacific Ocean to Vista del Mar was started in 1938 and completed in 1939. The Vista del Mar to La Salle Ave section was started in 1935 and completed in 1936. The La Salle Ave. to Washington Blvd. section was started 1938 and completed 1939. The Washington Blvd. to Redondo Blvd. section was started in...

The federal government in the form of the US Army Corps of Engineers played an instrumental role in developing the Ballona Creek waterway in Los Angeles, which helps drain the Los Angeles basin from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The section from the Pacific Ocean to Vista del Mar was started in 1938 and completed in 1939. The Vista del Mar to La Salle Ave section was started in 1935 and completed in 1936. The La Salle Ave. to Washington Blvd. section was started 1938 and completed 1939. The Washington Blvd. to Redondo Blvd. section was started in...

The federal government in the form of the US Army Corps of Engineers played an instrumental role in developing the Ballona Creek waterway in Los Angeles, which helps drain the Los Angeles basin from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The section from the Pacific Ocean to Vista del Mar was started in 1938 and completed in 1939. The Vista del Mar to La Salle Ave section was started in 1935 and completed in 1936. The La Salle Ave. to Washington Blvd. section was started 1938 and completed 1939. The Washington Blvd. to Redondo Blvd. section was started in...

The federal government in the form of the US Army Corps of Engineers played an instrumental role in developing the Ballona Creek waterway in Los Angeles, which helps drain the Los Angeles basin from the Santa Monica Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The section from the Pacific Ocean to Vista del Mar was started in 1938 and completed in 1939. The Vista del Mar to La Salle Ave section was started in 1935 and completed in 1936. The La Salle Ave. to Washington Blvd. section was started 1938 and completed 1939. The Washington Blvd. to Redondo Blvd. section was started in...