The Downey Conservancy

06/25/2026

In 1989, a vision for Downey's Stonewood Mall was conceived, aiming to transform it into a modern, enclosed facility from its original 1958 open-air design. At its inception in 1958, it was one of the pioneering regional shopping centers in Southern California.

Initially planned as the 'Lansdale Shopping Center' in 1963, named after a local Downey couple, the couple’s goal was to have the mall become a fashion and retail hub.

Later renamed Stonewood Mall, it featured the Stonewood Restaurant, most recently known as 'Acapulco’. The original restaurant was designed by the renowned architectural firm Pereira & Luckman, also behind the iconic Theme Building at LAX.

Following its sale to Newport Beach-based Hughes Investments in December 1986, the property underwent significant remodeling and expansion. By 1990, the center had transformed into a fully enclosed mall with an increase in stores.

Recently, Stonewood Center underwent another renovation, featuring new paint, tile, and additional stores and eateries. The images depict 1989 artist renderings of the mall's envisioned enclosure.

Thanks to Stonewood Center and Macerich for the artifacts and brochures.

06/24/2026

The Downey Conservancy presents an 80's themed movie night at Bob’s Big Boy Broiler in Downey, CA, featuring Back to the Future, iconic movie cars, and a guest appearance by Claudia Wells; enjoy dinner, popcorn, and the film.

06/17/2026

Great Scott!! Future Unlimited!!

We're heading "Back to the Future" for an unforgettable evening under the stars at Bob's Big Boy Broiler in Downey.

On Friday, July 31st, the iconic clock tower will strike, the DeLorean will arrive, and our community will gather for a special outdoor screening of the beloved classic that taught us all that the future isn't written yet. It is truly unlimited!

This event is more than just a movie night. It is an opportunity to celebrate our city's 70th Anniversary - its history, nostalgia, and community spirit that make Downey such a special place. Proceeds from the evening will help support future community programs and events that bring neighbors together and celebrate our city's unique heritage.

We welcome our local businesses to help make this event a success by becoming a sponsor!! Together we can create a memorable future for our community.
Please contact us via our website www.thedowneyconservancy.org
or text Dan @ (562) 879-9426.

As Doc Brown reminded us, "Your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has."
In Downey, our future is unlimited!

Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing everyone on July 31st!

05/30/2026

On Old River School Road in Downey, CA, stands an original single family home, built in 1910. The home consists of a 1316 sq ft of living area. The property comprises 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It's always a nice to see a home from the early 1900’s maintaining its original architectural design.

05/30/2026

Downey, California
Restored and colored version of the original rendering for JC Penny’s at Stonewood Shopping Center.
Architect Maxwell Starkman A. I. A. & Associates
Late 1960’s

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

One of Downey's most architecturally significant and exquisitely preserved residences, having been meticulously maintained by its last known owner, Colman Domingo.

Circa 1964, this magnificent Mid-Century Modern pool estate, crafted by renowned architect Jules Salkin, AIA, boasts exceptional provenance and has been recently showcased in Architectural Digest, solidifying its status as the neighborhood's crown jewel.

The property's notable connection to LAX's historic and vibrant tunnel of colorful mosaic love, featuring hundreds of thousands of hand-set glass mosaic tiles installed in 1961, further enhances its allure. These 300-to-500-foot pedestrian hallways, originally designed by artist Janet Bennett to represent the American landscape's color gradients from coast to coast, are a testament to the era's innovative design. Of the seven original tiled tunnels, three remain accessible to the public, primarily connecting terminals to baggage claim and Customs areas in Terminals 4, 5, and 7.

The Design & History of the LAX Mosaic Tiles: The Concept was to transform long, sterile walkways into immersive experiences during the Jet Age. The Palette transitions to represent the United States, with blue for oceans, green for mountains, sand for deserts, brown for plains, and deep red or navy in the center signifying the Midwest. The Artists, Charles Kratka and Janet Bennett, along with tile artisan Alfonso Pardiñas, brought this vision to life. These vibrant tile walls, capturing the retro-futuristic style of the 1960s, have been featured prominently in films and television shows. Notably, the primary suite's distinctive colorful bath tile was created using genuine remnants of Charles Kratka's mosaic tunnels at LAX.

Photos by: Reflections Downey

05/16/2026

This home is located on Orizaba Ave, Downey, CA 90242.

Public records and real estate sources agree that the property contains three units and sits on a parcel nearly half an acre in size, making it considerably larger than many surrounding residential lots. Because the property was built in 1914, it predates most of the suburban development that transformed Downey in the 1940s and 1950s. Between the 3 properties, there are 8 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

In 1914, Downey was still largely an agricultural community known dairy farms, orange groves, walnut orchards
and small ranch properties

A multifamily property from this era is unusual and suggests the site may have evolved from an early farmhouse or rental compound that served agricultural workers or extended families.

Architect is unknown; likely builder-designed. A rare surviving pre-World War I residence from Downey’s agricultural era.

This home is an excellent example of the modest but enduring houses that helped define early Downey before suburban development transformed the city.

05/14/2026

Thank you to Steve Lange at Spectrum News 1 for featuring Downey's two iconic Googie landmarks, McDonald's and Harvey's/Johnie's/Bob's Big Boy Broiler, in this episode of "The SoCal Scene"!
Huge thanks to all who have worked so hard through the years to preserve them!!

https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/california/socal-scene-episode/2026/05/12/socal-scene-full-episode-mcdonalds-cabrillo-aquarium-sierra-club?cid=app_share

Hit the trails with the Sierra Club

05/01/2026