11/05/2026
PRESERVATION ALERT: A Mid-Century Modern design faces demolition
When La-Z-Boy opened its plant at 301 Tennessee Street in 1966, it was the company's first factory west of the Mississippi, and Redlands beat out other cities to win it. Built amid the citrus groves that once covered west Redlands, it is a hallmark of the era's commercial expansion.
The plant was the first project Redlands architect Leon Armantrout designed after opening his own practice, and he worked with Jack Dangermond on its landscape. Its front office, with long, low tan brick walls, smoked-glass screen walls and a deeply recessed entry, is a rare surviving example of Mid-Century design built for a national company, and it reflects the single-story, indoor-outdoor style California Mid-Century is known for.
The owner has asked to demolish the building to make way for new construction. City staff recommend approval, but the Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission makes the decision at a public hearing tomorrow evening. If Redlands' Mid-Century architecture matters to you, please attend and share your views.
đź“… Thursday, November 5, 6 p.m.
đź“Ť City Council Chambers, Redlands Civic Center, 35 Cajon St.
Can't attend? Email your comments for the Commission to City Clerk Jeanne Donaldson at [email protected] to have your voice heard.
Agenda and staff report (item 4-A): redlands.gov/historic-and-scenic-preservation-commission
Photo: CRM Tech, City of Redlands staff report
