Welcome.
A Bit of History.
From the early 1900s to the present, Larchmont Village has held a special place in the hearts of Angelenos. This remarkable neighborhood in Los Angeles, California is known for its inviting atmosphere, tree-lined streets, eclectic shops, health and wellness establishments, L.A.'s oldest bookstore, unique eateries, and cafes—making it a go-to spot in the Mid-Wilshire district, just west of downtown Los Angeles. The area exudes a distinct charm that sets it apart from the bustling city.
Founded by Julius LaBonte, a visionary developer from the Midwest, Larchmont Village was intended to be a tranquil streetcar suburb—an oasis away from the urban rush of downtown Los Angeles.
Larchmont was originally named Glenwood according to Los Angeles City Archives. The name was changed to Larchmont in 1912 most likely after the residential village on Long Island Sound. Los Angelenos were mostly transplants from the east coast. Between 1900 and 1920 the population of Los Angeles experienced a five-fold increase, from 102,479 to 576,673 residents. This increase in population is central to understanding the nature of Los Angeles and the neighborhoods built by these newcomers that would create the city of today.
Julius J. La Bonte and his business associate Charles Ramson were among those newcomers. They were successful businessmen who came to Los Angeles with their families to retire and enjoy the Southern California climate.
In 1921, after LaBonte and Charles Ramson purchased seven lots to create a business district with 30 stores, construction began on the 100 and 200 blocks of Larchmont Boulevard. The Los Angeles Railway Yellow Car ran right down the center. By all accounts it was the personalized service offered by shops on Larchmont that gave the street its appeal.
LaBonte's vision for the area came to fruition when, along with the commercial district, tree-lined streets filled with single-family homes were established.
Today, Larchmont Village is a thriving neighborhood, and It continues to be a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
*Primary Source: “Larchmont” by Patricia Lombard
“Larchmont has been described as an island of small town in an ocean of urban sprawl. Known as the “village” by locals, Larchmont’s easy angle parking and charming tree-lined sidewalks offer the opportunity to shop and stroll, meet and greet as much today as they did over 95 years ago. The result is an enduring sense of neighborhood and community provoking profound affection for this historic district among newcomers and old-timers alike.”
— Excerpt from Larchmont
by Patricia Lombard
Neighborhood Publications
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Larchmont Buzz
Online — Daily
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Serving Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, and the Greater Wilshire neighborhoods of Los Angeles since 2011.
Larchmont Chronicle
Print & Digital — Monthly
The Larchmont Chronicle is an independently-owned community newspaper in its sixth decade of operation.
Serving Larchmont Village, Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Fremont Place, Park La Brea and Miracle Mile in Los Angeles, California.
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