Resource Report

Historic Resource Summary

Names
Chili Bowl (Primary)
Chili Bowl (Historic)
Mr. Cecil's California Ribs (Alternative)
12244 W PICO BLVD (Alternative)
Important Dates
1931-01-01 (Built Date)
Images
Chili Bowl - PHOTO
Resource Types
Building
Architect
Arthur Whizin
Builder
Owner

Location Information

Addresses
12244 W PICO BLVD Primary
12240 W PICO BLVD Alternative
12248 W PICO BLVD Alternative
Location Description
No descriptions recorded
Administrative Areas
Palms - Mar Vista - Del Rey Community Plan Area (Community Plan Area)
Los Angeles City Council District 11 (Council District)
WEST LOS ANGELES NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL (Neighborhood Council)
MAR VISTA NEIGHBORHOOD (Neighborhood)

Resource Description

Classification
Type: Commercial-Food Service, Restaurant/Tavern   Use: Historic        
Type: Commercial-Food Service, Restaurant/Tavern   Use: Current        
Type: California OHP Resource Attribute - HP06. 1-3 story commercial building          
Features
Component: Cladding Type: Stucco, textured Material: none defined
Component: Construction Type: Wood Material: none defined
Component: Door Type: Double Material: Wood
Component: Plan Type: Circular Material: none defined
Component: Roof Type: Flat Material: none defined
Component: Window Type: Fixed; Grouped Material: Wood
Component: Window Type: Fixed Material: none defined
Architectural Description
Designed to resemble a bowl of chili; distinctive rooftop sign.
Alterations
Security door(s) added

Resource Significance

Evaluation Details

Date Evaluated
2012-07-17
Context/Theme
Commercial Development, 1850-1980
Commercial Development and the Automobile, 1910-1980
Programmatic/Mimetic, 1918-1950
Commercial
Eligibility Standards
  • Conveys an advertising message through adaptations in the building form itself
  • Was constructed during the period of significance
  • Is a good example of Programmatic/Mimetic architecture
  • Typically a low-scale commercial structure
  • Takes the form of an object not normally associated with architecture, such as food, animals, or household items
  • Retains most of the essential character-defining features from the period of significance
  • "Programmatic” refers to structures whose form is directly related to the products sold within
  • Primarily applied to restaurants, food stands, and retail stores
    • Integrity Aspects
    Location
    Feeling
    Workmanship
    Materials
    Design
    Retains sufficient integrity to convey significance
    Setting
    California Historic Resources Status Codes (explanation of codes)
    5S3
    3CS
    3S
    Significance Statement
    Excellent and rare example of programmatic architecture in Los Angeles. Originally constructed by "Chili Bowl King" Arthur Whizin, it was designed to resemble a bowl of chili. Eighteen Chili Bowl restaurants were constructed throughout the Los Angeles area by 1933; this may be the only remaining example.
    Periods of Significance
    From: 1931-01-01

    External References

    External System References

    SurveyLA ID: fe8c7476-84d5-4b88-8e63-47ebb4e699f3
    Property Identification Number: 120B149 92
    Property Identification Number: 120B149 88
    Property Identification Number: 120B149 98
    House ID: 887054

    Related Resources

    Related Historic Resources

    None

    Related Historic Districts

    None

    Related Activities

    SurveyLA - Palms - Mar Vista - Del Rey Survey (was assessed in / assessed)

    Related Historic Events

    None

    Related People/Organizations

    Historic Resources Group (Surveying Firm, was surveyed by / surveyed)
    Arthur Whizin (Architect/Designer, was designed by /designed)

    Related Information Resources

    Images
    Documents
    SurveyLA: Palms-Mar Vista-Del Rey Historic Resources Survey Report (Document/Text, is referred to in / refers to)

    SurveyLA

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    Office of Historic Resources

    Office of Historic Resources
    Department of City Planning
    221 N. Figueroa Street, Suite 1350
    Los Angeles, CA 90012
    (213) 847-3676 phone
    Email: planning.historicplacesla@lacity.org
    http://www.preservation.lacity.org
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