Save and Preserve the Historic 1930s Sears Building in Glendale, CA
Save and Preserve the Historic 1930s Sears Building in Glendale, CA
The Issue
**To: The City Council of Glendale, California**
We, the undersigned, urge the City Council to take immediate action to preserve the historic Sears building in Glendale, California. This unique landmark is not just another building; it is a vital piece of our city's history that deserves to be preserved for future generations.
Why the Sears Building is Worth Preserving
1. **Historic Significance**: Built in 1937, the Glendale Sears was the first custom-built store in the world, setting a precedent for department store design across the nation.
2. **Architectural Innovation**: Designed by the respected firm Nimmons, Carr and Wright, the building embodies the Late Modern style and showcases the architectural trends of its time.
3. **Cultural Landmark**: The Glendale Sears was once known as “The Million Dollar Store,” drawing shoppers from across Los Angeles and establishing Glendale as a center for commerce.
4. **Prototype for Future Stores**: This location served as the model for all subsequent Sears stores nationwide, revolutionizing retail design with its layout.
5. **Economic Impact**: The Sears store played a crucial role in establishing Glendale as a major business hub, contributing to the city's growth and development.
6. **Art Deco Features**: The building contains original Art Deco elements, including glass block windows and distinctive architectural details that reflect the style of the 1930s.
7. **Adaptive Reuse Potential**: Removing the 1970s facade would reveal the original design, allowing for adaptive reuse that respects the building's historical integrity.
8. **Community Support**: The Glendale Historical Society advocates for preserving this landmark, recognizing its importance in our community.
9. **Civic Pride**: Integrating the historic Sears building into new developments would enhance the aesthetic and cultural value of downtown Glendale.
10. **Historical Education**: Preserving the building provides an opportunity to educate future generations about Glendale’s commercial history and architectural heritage.
11. **Tourist Attraction**: A restored Sears building could attract visitors interested in history and architecture, boosting local tourism and the economy.
12. **Environmental Responsibility**: Adaptive reuse is an environmentally sustainable practice that reduces waste and preserves cultural resources.
13. **Local Identity**: The Sears building is a symbol of Glendale's identity and history; demolishing it would erase an irreplaceable part of our community's story.
14. **Architectural Diversity**: Preserving the Sears building adds to the diversity of architectural styles in Glendale, enriching the urban landscape.
15. **Legacy of Innovation**: The building represents an era of innovation in retail and design, and preserving it honors the legacy of those who shaped our city.
## Call to Action
We respectfully request that the City Council consider the significance of the Sears building and explore options for adaptive reuse rather than demolition. One option to consider for adaptive reuse of the historic Sears building in Glendale is to completely remove the 1970’s exterior facade panels to reveal the original historic 1930’s art deco exterior facade that it totally intact underneath and completely save and preserve and restore all of the whole entire original 1930’s art deco exterior facade walls as well as save and preserve and restore the whole entire 1930’s Sears tower completely intact and build the housing development within the middle of the historic Sears department store building with the historic 1930’s art deco exterior facade walls and tower completely surrounding the housing development in adaptive reuse like how it was done with the Hearst Tower in New York City and build another entire housing development apartment building on the site of the Sears parking garage. We believe that preserving this historic landmark while developing the site for housing is not only possible but essential for maintaining the character and history of Glendale.
Together, let’s ensure that the Sears building continues to stand as a testament to our city's rich history and vibrant future.
**Sign this petition to stand up for history and community!**
*Name:*
*Email:*
*Address:*
*Signature:*
---
Your support can help save a vital piece of Glendale’s heritage. Thank you for standing with us!
22
The Issue
**To: The City Council of Glendale, California**
We, the undersigned, urge the City Council to take immediate action to preserve the historic Sears building in Glendale, California. This unique landmark is not just another building; it is a vital piece of our city's history that deserves to be preserved for future generations.
Why the Sears Building is Worth Preserving
1. **Historic Significance**: Built in 1937, the Glendale Sears was the first custom-built store in the world, setting a precedent for department store design across the nation.
2. **Architectural Innovation**: Designed by the respected firm Nimmons, Carr and Wright, the building embodies the Late Modern style and showcases the architectural trends of its time.
3. **Cultural Landmark**: The Glendale Sears was once known as “The Million Dollar Store,” drawing shoppers from across Los Angeles and establishing Glendale as a center for commerce.
4. **Prototype for Future Stores**: This location served as the model for all subsequent Sears stores nationwide, revolutionizing retail design with its layout.
5. **Economic Impact**: The Sears store played a crucial role in establishing Glendale as a major business hub, contributing to the city's growth and development.
6. **Art Deco Features**: The building contains original Art Deco elements, including glass block windows and distinctive architectural details that reflect the style of the 1930s.
7. **Adaptive Reuse Potential**: Removing the 1970s facade would reveal the original design, allowing for adaptive reuse that respects the building's historical integrity.
8. **Community Support**: The Glendale Historical Society advocates for preserving this landmark, recognizing its importance in our community.
9. **Civic Pride**: Integrating the historic Sears building into new developments would enhance the aesthetic and cultural value of downtown Glendale.
10. **Historical Education**: Preserving the building provides an opportunity to educate future generations about Glendale’s commercial history and architectural heritage.
11. **Tourist Attraction**: A restored Sears building could attract visitors interested in history and architecture, boosting local tourism and the economy.
12. **Environmental Responsibility**: Adaptive reuse is an environmentally sustainable practice that reduces waste and preserves cultural resources.
13. **Local Identity**: The Sears building is a symbol of Glendale's identity and history; demolishing it would erase an irreplaceable part of our community's story.
14. **Architectural Diversity**: Preserving the Sears building adds to the diversity of architectural styles in Glendale, enriching the urban landscape.
15. **Legacy of Innovation**: The building represents an era of innovation in retail and design, and preserving it honors the legacy of those who shaped our city.
## Call to Action
We respectfully request that the City Council consider the significance of the Sears building and explore options for adaptive reuse rather than demolition. One option to consider for adaptive reuse of the historic Sears building in Glendale is to completely remove the 1970’s exterior facade panels to reveal the original historic 1930’s art deco exterior facade that it totally intact underneath and completely save and preserve and restore all of the whole entire original 1930’s art deco exterior facade walls as well as save and preserve and restore the whole entire 1930’s Sears tower completely intact and build the housing development within the middle of the historic Sears department store building with the historic 1930’s art deco exterior facade walls and tower completely surrounding the housing development in adaptive reuse like how it was done with the Hearst Tower in New York City and build another entire housing development apartment building on the site of the Sears parking garage. We believe that preserving this historic landmark while developing the site for housing is not only possible but essential for maintaining the character and history of Glendale.
Together, let’s ensure that the Sears building continues to stand as a testament to our city's rich history and vibrant future.
**Sign this petition to stand up for history and community!**
*Name:*
*Email:*
*Address:*
*Signature:*
---
Your support can help save a vital piece of Glendale’s heritage. Thank you for standing with us!
22
Petition created on October 21, 2025