Torrance Promenade: 1956

This is a 1956 aerial photo of the area within the general boundaries of Hawthorne Blvd/190th St/Prairie Ave/Del Amo Blvd. The camera is facing northwest in this photo.

This photo was taken before the Old Towne Mall (now the Torrance Promenade) and the bridge connecting Prairie Avenue with Madrona Avenue was built.  The Old Towne Mall was built in 1972 on the long, rectangular, vacant plot of land running along the middle-left of the photo along Hawthorne Blvd. The Prairie/Madrona bridge was built as a crossing over the railroad tracks running down to the middle-right of the photo.

Other interesting notes:

• 190th St does not cross under the railroad tracks in this photo. Because it didn't, west-bound drivers had to follow the street as it veered right, turn left on Hawthorne Blvd, cross under the tracks, and then turn right on 190th to continue their journey.
• The South Bay Galleria will eventually (1985) be built in the upper-right of the photo (follow Hawthorne Blvd up to Artesia Blvd.).
• The Del Amo Blvd. to Maple Ave. curve that exists today is partially visible in the lower-right corner of the photo.
• The future Columbia Park will be located on the large vacant lot in the mid/upper-right (north of 190th).