The Whittier Conservancy A History

The Whittier Conservancy was born from the rubble of the Whittier Narrows Earthquake of October 1, 1987. As much of the Uptown business and residential neighborhood lay in ruins, a small group of courageous citizens banded together to save the heart of Whittier. In these first hectic years, the Conservancy fought to save the 100-year-old Lindley Building at the northern gateway to Uptown, the landmark Whittier Theater, and may historic homes that were threatened with destruction. In 1989, the Conservancy assisted the City to rezone the residential neighborhoods north of Hadley Street to protect this vital area from rampant, uncontrolled apartment construction. By 1991, the focus of the Conservancy has broadened to include more than historic preservation. Community concern for quality of life led the Conservancy to become involved in the effort to preserve the Whittier Hills, the last remaining area of contiguous open space in East Los Angeles County. The Conservancy played an important role in the education program that led to the passage of Los Angeles County Proposition A in 1992.