Historic Preservation Commission
Staff Report
May 7, 2025
FILE NO: DHS-000278-2025
A request to make a Determination of Historic Significance.
ADDRESS: 2250 N. Garey Avenue
APPLICANT: Satwinder Singh
PROJECT PLANNER: Irene Moure, Assistant Planner
RECOMMENDATION: Determine that the property located at 2250 N. Garey Avenue (File No.
DHS-000278-2025) is historically significant and adopt Historic Preservation Commission Resolution No. 25-011 (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND:
On March 11, 2025, Mr. Satwinder Singh submitted a request to determine the historic significance of the commercial structure located at 2250 N. Garey Avenue.
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE:
The Pomona Historic Context Statement classifies the commercial structure as a “chuckwagon” building, a popular design for the Arby’s fast-food restaurants during the late-1960s to the mid-1970s.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION:
The subject structure is located on a northern portion of Garey Avenue, the main vein of the city that runs from the entirety of North to South Pomona. This portion of Garey Avenue is surrounded by mixed-use development, primarily commercial and residential uses.
Based on visual analysis, the existing building is a single structure designed as a covered conestoga wagon or “chuckwagon”. The structure is rectangular with a curved roof and overhang. The windows on the east elevation are broad and cover a large portion of the façade. Rock-like siding dominates the north, east, and south elevations.
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Relevant Construction/Alterations:
1. Arby’s Restaurant Construction – 1970
2. Construction of Drive-Thru Addition – 1985
3. One Pole Sign – 1970
4. Add Exposed Neon to Pylon Sign Face – 1990 (Pylon demolished approximately year 2012)
Character-Defining Features:
1. Covered conestoga wagon/chuckwagon style building
2. Curved roof and overhang
3. Broad windows on façade
4. Rock-like siding on elevations and pillars
HISTORY:
Historic Context Statement:
The structure is highlighted in the Theme: Commercial Development section of the Citywide Historic Context Statement. The following pages from the Historic Context Statement identify criteria and integrity standards for historic consideration.
Survey Information:
The 1993 Survey did not survey the subject property.
City Directories:
The subject structure is not found in archived City Directories from 1896 to 1948.
Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps:
The city’s Sanborn Maps collection was maintained from 1885 to 1957. The final addendum was added in 1957, 13 years before the construction of the commercial structure.
Significance:
The subject building is captured in Chapter 9, Postwar Growth, Diversification, and Redevelopment (1946-1980) of the Citywide Historic Context Statement. The structure is specifically highlighted in the Commercial Development Theme section on page 218 (Attachment 2).
This theme is summarized as a period of postwar population growth, suburban development, and a significant increase in auto -oriented culture where cars became more than just a form of transportation. Much of the notable commercial development during this era of the city occurred on the major corridors currently established as Arrow Highway, Garey Avenue, Mission Boulevard, Valley Boulevard, Indian Hill Avenue, and Holt Avenue. Roadside architecture evolved into elaborate and May 7, 2025, Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
Staff Report
deliberate expressive styles, such as Googie, to attract motorists. The subject structure is a remaining intact example of that era and to the City of Pomona (Attachment 3).
Furthermore, throughout the nation, this era experienced a spur of fast-food restaurant development.
During this expansion, Arby’s introduced the conestoga wagon or chuckwagon design style for their restaurants. Wiley Christian Riedel is responsible for these unique building designs from 1964 to the 1970s. However, by the mid-1970s, these covered wagon designs were phased out.
The Los Angeles County Assessor and Building & Safety permit records history show the commercial structure was built in 1970. In 1985, a drive-thru addition – approved by the Planning Commission in Resolution No. 8597 – was constructed. Lastly, in 1990 exposed neon lights were added to the iconic Arby’s ten-gallon hat pylon sign . However, while there is not permit evidence recording the deconstruction of the sign, an article from the Inland Valley Bulletin captured the demolition in 2012 (Attachment 4).
According to Business License Records, the Arby’s restaurant use ceased in 2012. While the use has changed over time, the structure’s character-defining elements and architectural features are primarily intact except for minimal exterior work, such as paint and the removal of outdoor dining tables.
Designation Criteria:
Staff reviewed the National Register, California Register, and local designation criteria to determine whether the property is historic.
National Register of Historic Places Criteria
1. Is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history (Criterion A).
This commercial structure is an excellent example of programmatic, or novelty, architecture during Pomona’s, and largely Southern California’s, commercial and residential postwar boom. The building is reminiscent of an era where automobiles expanded beyond a simple means of transportation to a culture symbolizing freedom and influencing commercial development, in particular, roadside architecture.
2. Is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past (Criterion B).
The remaining structure is associated with the founders and legacy of Arby’s restaurants.
Furthermore, Wiley Christian Reidel is noted to have designed the covered chuckwagon restaurants. The expansion of Arby’s restaurants starting in 1964 from the state of Ohio to California and nationwide runs parallel to the captured history of Pomona’s fast-food restaurant development.
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3. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period or method of construction, represents the work of a master, possesses high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction (Criterion C).
Programmatic or novelty architecture is reminiscent of an era of roadside architecture during the postwar population and development boom. The building has eccentric elements for the purpose of advertising to passing motorists. From the covered chuckwagon design to the large window façade, this building represents an era of roadside architecture that coincides with the evolution of American car culture.
4. Has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory (Criterion D).
This criterion relates to archaeological resources and there is no information that this site may have been important to Indigenous tribes in the area. Therefore, the property is not likely to yield any information.
California Register of Historical Resources
1. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of local or regional history or the cultural heritage of California or the United States (Criterion 1).
The Pomona Historic Context notes that the subject structure is a part of a rich history of commercial development along Arrow Highway, which follows part of the path of the former Router 66 (Foothill Blvd) . The structure is located strategically away from downtown Pomona, during a period where urban downtowns experienced a decline, to attract passing motorists and align with the growing suburban communities in North Pomona.
2. Associated with the lives of persons important to local, California or national history (Criterion 2).
While the founders or the designer of these Arby’s restaurants are not prominent to local or California history, the covered conestoga wagon or chuckwagon design is a part of an era of roadside attraction and fast-food development boom. This chuckwagon building is largely intact and is reminiscent of a time of Southern California and Pomona’s suburban and commercial growth.
3. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, region or method of construction, represents the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values (Criterion 3).
As noted in the Historic Context Statement, the commercial building is a remaining example of iconic fast-food restaurants from the postwar period. Like the chuckwagon building, the method of construction intended to serve not only as a restaurant but a form of advertising.
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4. Has yielded, or has the potential to yield, information important to the prehistory or history of the local area, California or the nation (Criterion 4).
This criterion relates to archaeological resources and there is no information that this site may have been important to Indigenous tribes in the area. Therefore, the property is not likely to yield any information.
City of Pomona Designation Criteria
1. It exemplifies or reflects special elements of the city of Pomona's cultural, social, economic, political, aesthetic, engineering, architectural, or natural history; The Historic Context notes that the subject structure is a part of a rich history of commercial development along the State Route 2, Arrow Highway. The structure is located strategically at the cross-sections of North Garey Avenue and Arrow Highway, to attract passing motorists and align with the growing suburban communities in North Pomona . Staff’s research has identified this structure as having an exemplary cultural, economic, and aesthetic element that meets this criterion.
2. It is identified with persons or events significant in local, state, or national history; While the remaining structure is not associated with persons significant in Pomona history, the covered chuckwagon design is solely connected to Wiley Christian Riedel. Moreover, cultural and social events, such as the evolution of car culture and suburban development, which led to the construction of the building aligns and runs parallel to Pomona’s history of a bourgeoning postwar residential and commercial development.
3. It embodies distinctive characteristics of a style, type, period, or method of construction, or is a valuable example of the use of indigenous materials or craftsmanship; This commercial building is designed to resemble a covered conestoga wagon or chuckwagon, which were used by early pioneers during western expansion of the United States. The structure is an excellent example of a period where commercial outlets were designed to resemble objects for the purpose of roadside attraction.
4. It contributes to the significance of an historic area, being a geographically definable area possessing a concentration of historic or scenic properties or thematically related grouping of properties which contribute to each other and are unified aestheti cally by plan or physical development;
The subject site is located at the intersection of Arrow Highway and Garey Avenue. Both corridors are historic major thoroughfares that saw extensive population and development growth. The May 7, 2025, Historic Preservation Commission Meeting
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commercial structure contributes to the overall historic area of the former Route 6 6 as a rare example of novelty architecture.
5. It is the work of a notable builder, designer, landscape designer or architect; The designer of Arby’s chuckwagon restaurants was Wiley Christian Riedel. Riedel is noted to have been the prominent designer for these outlets from 1964 to the mid -1970s, where they were eventually phased out.
6. It has a unique location or singular physical characteristics or is a view or vista representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community, or the city of Pomona; In the Historic Context Statement, like many other downtown areas within Southern California and the larger United States, fast-food restaurant development was strategically built away from the downtown Pomona area along Arrow Highway, which follows part of the original alignment of Route 66. The chuckwagon style building is a familiar visual feature in the city of Pomona and is one of two that exists. Journalist, David Allen, for the Inland Valley Bulletin noted that in 2012, the building was the structure was one of the few left and expressed nostalgia for the both the restaurant use and the chuckwagon building.
7. It embodies elements of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship that represent a significant structural or architectural achievement or innovation; The structure is of roadside architecture for the purposed of advertisement that is a microcosm of a period of architectural design, detail, materials, or craftsmanship that represent s significant structural, architectural achievement, and innovation.
8. It is similar to other distinctive properties, sites, areas, or objects based on an historic, cultural, or architectural motif;
Between the years of 1964 to the mid -1970s, Arby’s restaurants were designed to resemble a covered conestoga wagon or chuckwagon. In 2010, David Allen of the Inland Valley Bulletin noted that the intact commercial structure was one of ten remaining in Sout hern California. However, like the other chuckwagon building on Holt Avenue, the chuckwagon design is only associated with Arby’s restaurant which experienced growth during the same period as commercial and residential development in north Pomona.
9. It reflects significant geographical patterns, including those associated with different eras of settlement and growth, particular transportation modes, or distinctive examples of park or community planning;
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The property reflects Pomona’s geographic and cultural growth patterns distinctive to postwar development and alignment with the evolution of car culture from a means of transportation to a symbolic representation of independence.
10. It is one of the few remaining examples in the city of Pomona, region, state, or nation possessing distinguishing characteristics of an architectural or historical type or specimen.
The commercial structure is one of two chuckwagon restaurant buildings in the City of Pomona, both of which were Arby’s restaurants at one point. Moreover, it is one of few examples left in the larger Los Angeles County and Orange County regions as well due to its novelty architecture type and historical significance to auto-oriented commercial development.
INTEGRITY:
While the property was not included in the 1993 historic resources survey , Staff has determined the structure is reminiscent of significant geographic patterns and auto-oriented commercial development following World War II . T here have been minimal alterations to the commercial structure. The chuckwagon design and significant architectural elements have remained largely intact. Only minor exterior alterations have been observed, such as the removal of plastic picnic tables from the fron t yard setback and exterior paint.
CONCLUSION:
The commercial structure is a remnant of the postwar auto-oriented commercial development; it is an exemplary example of novelty and roadside architecture that captures a cultural, social, and community planning trend in an era of unprecedent growth and change . Furthermore, the conestoga wagon or chuckwagon design is solely connected to the once iconic fast-food giant, Arby’s. While Arby’s restaurants are being phased out nationwide, the intact structures, such as one located at 2250 N. Garey Avenue is a piece of Americana and Pomona history.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Historic Preservation Commission Resolution No. 25-011
2. Historic Context Statement – Commercial Theme (1946-1980)
3. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Newspaper Article – “Old-Style Arby’s is One of the Few Left
4. Inland Valley Daily Bulletin Newspaper Article – “It’s RIP for Arby’s in Pomona”
5. Site Photographs
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 216 Theme: Commercial Development
Southern California’s postwar population boom and rise in consumer culture spurred retail and commercial development throughout the region. Pomona was no exception. Postwar commercial development was characterized in part by the modernization of existing commercial buildings in an effort to update downtown retail centers. One prominent example in Pomona was Ora-Addies, a women’s boutique established by Mrs. Ora Milner and Mrs. Adelade Tate at 163 W. 2nd Street.
The owners engaged Sumner Spaulding and John Rex to completely redesign the two-story interior of the original building to make it a showcase space. The ultra-modern design featured a floating staircase, mezzanine, and custom cabinetry. The design was featured in the December 1945 issue of Arts & Architecture.425
Ora-Addies by Sumner Spaulding and John Rex, c. 1945. Photo by Julius Shulman. © J. Paul Getty Trust.
Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)
However, most commercial development during this period expanded outside of the original commercial core to provide much-needed services in proximity to the growing suburban communities. In Pomona, commercial growth was seen along Route 66 (present-day Arrow Highway), Garey Avenue, Mission Boulevard, Holt Avenue, Valley Boulevard, and Indian Hill Avenue.
Many of the commercial structures built after the war responded to both the growing middle class and suburban leisure culture, and the automobile: coffee shops, fast food establishments and restaurants, supermarkets, department stores, and specialty retailers all designed to appeal to the passing motorist and conveniently located away from downtown. Commercial development along Route 66 picked-up after World War II with the development of properties commonly associated with a tourist corridor: gas stations, motels, and restaurants.426 As a result, commercial activity in downtown Pomona declined—eventually forcing a large urban renewal project in an attempt to upgrade and revitalize the downtown area.
A more exuberant, expressive Modernism emerged in commercial design after the war, capturing both the zeitgeist and playful exuberance of the moment and appealing to the modern, automobile-oriented consumer. The style became known as Googie, after Googie’s Diner in Los 425 “Small Modern Shop,” Arts & Architecture, December 1945, 40-41. 426 Classified Ad, Pomona Progress Bulletin, March 12, 1948, 17.
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 217 Angeles designed by John Lautner in 1949. The style has been described as Modernism for the masses. It was widely employed in roadside commercial architecture of the 1950s, including coffee shops, bowling alleys, and car washes. Henry’s Restaurant and Drive-In (not extant) was one of the premiere local examples of the Googie architectural style. It was located along Route 66, at Garey Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. Henry’s was designed in 1957 by architect John Lautner as the fourth location of the Henry’s chain of restaurants. It featured a football-shaped plan, with one side arranged for indoor dining/cocktails and the other for carhop service. The roof had an expressionistic shape characteristic of Lautner’s architectural vocabulary. As described by author Alan Hess, Henry’s was “…a whale with a long dual backbone of laminated timbers arching long and low on doubled concrete columns…large glass walls set well within broad eaves, opened to the dining room.”427 The restaurant was later known as Tiffaney’s.
Henry’s Restaurant and Drive-In, designed by John Lautner, 1954. Lautner A-Z.
Perhaps because of its suburban development and reliance on the automobile, Pomona enjoys a wealth of roadside architecture that extended beyond Route 66. These expressive modern buildings, some more elaborately Googie than others, relied on structural expression, large expanses of glass, neon and kinetic signs both to display their goods and services and to lure in motorists. Pole signs often remain at some of Pomona’s roadside buildings that have been altered.
To support its burgeoning postwar population, greater Pomona was dotted with a number of fast- food restaurants and coffee shops. McDonald’s #8 (1057 Mission Boulevard), constructed in 1954, is the second oldest extant example of the iconic fast-food chain. 428 The McDonald brothers worked with architect Stanley C. Meston on the design. They provided a small rough sketch of two half circle arches, from which the architect refined the forms; he also designed the factory-
427 Alan Hess, Googie Redux: Ultramodern Roadside Architecture, (San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2004), 73. 428 There is some disagreement between scholars as to whether this is store #7 or #8. The Azusa and Pomona locations were opened nearly simultaneously.
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 218 like assembly line kitchen.429 Although altered, the hamburger stand and the large original roadside golden arches retain their essential form, although the building has now been repurposed to sell donuts.
Other early examples of iconic fast-food restaurants from the postwar period include Der Wienerschnitzel (500 E. Mission Boulevard) and Pioneer Chicken (2250 N. Garey Avenue). There is a 1950s Tastee Freeze (794 E. Mission), with its signature orange A-frame soft serve stand and sign, and a Donahoo’s Fried Chicken (1074 Garey Avenue), a Mid-century Modern building from 1966 with its original fiberglass chicken high atop a pole sign advertising “Golden Chicken boxed to go.” Two original Arby’s in Pomona (2250 N. Garey Avenue and 1175 E. Holt Avenue) with chuckwagon shapes were constructed in 1970.
Another early Googie-style restaurant was the Mission Family Restaurant (demolished). Opened in 1958 at 888 W. Mission Boulevard, the restaurant featured dimensional tilework by Pomona Tile and a “Jury Room,” which was used by jurors from the nearby courthouses for meal breaks.430 The Googie-style diner at 1280 E. Holt Avenue was originally built as a Breakfast at Carl’s.
Former McDonalds #8 (top left), Wienerschnitzel (top right), Former Arby’s (bottom left), and Former Breakfast at Carl’s (bottom right) in Pomona, 2022. HRG.
Mom and pop donut shops and coffee shops were a staple throughout Southern California in the 1950s and 1960s. These modest, freestanding, Mid-century Modern-style shops enjoyed large expanses of glass with plenty of parking. Taylor Maid Donuts (488 E. Mission Boulevard) is a rare
429 Hess, 152.
430 The restaurant was originally named the Hull House. It was destroyed in a fire in 2020.
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 219 and intact example of one of these buildings. The 1958 Danny’s Donuts (2085 Holt Avenue, not extant) by the Googie specialists Armet & Davis did not survive. In 1969, on the southeast corner of Holt and East End Avenue, Van de Kamps built one of its iconic windmill-design coffee shops designed by architect Harold Bissner, Jr. (not extant). Another example of a postwar specialty retailer with a Mid-century Modern-style building is the 1960 Pollock’s Flowers (715 Garey Avenue).
Another significant commercial type from the postwar period was the auto showroom. As with other types of commercial development, automobile sales moved outside of downtown commercial centers where they had the space to design eye-catching glass and steel buildings to showcase their sleek, modern wares. In Pomona, Tate Motors (888 E. Holt Avenue), completed in 1957 offered a large, two-story glass rotunda for displaying the latest Cadillacs and Pontiacs.
Inside, four “Flying saucer-like hanging fixtures each 12 feet across provided dramatic lighting and added to the out-of-this world look.”431 Designed by Arthur Lawrence Miller and Ted Criley, Jr., the dealership also had a towering sign and a sidewalk garden of exotic plants.
Tate Motors, 1957. Photo by Julius Shulman. © J. Paul Getty Trust. Getty Research Institute, Los Angeles (2004.R.10)
In addition to standalone development along commercial corridors, the postwar period was also the era of the shopping center – including both small community shopping centers and larger, more regional shopping malls. Especially popular given Southern California’s climate was the development of the open-air mall. Three open-air malls were developed in Los Angeles County in 1955: Los Altos Center in Long Beach, Whittier Downs Center in Santa Fe Springs, and the
431 Charles Phoenix, Cruising the Pomona Valley (Los Angeles, CA: Horn of Plenty Press, 1999), 112-113.
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 220 Pomona Valley Center which straddled the Pomona-Montclair city limits. Pomona Valley Center was designed by Sterling Leach.432 Anchor stores included the F.C. Nash Department Store, Market Basket supermarket, and Sears.433 Rows of specialty retailers connected the anchor stores with landscaped pedestrian corridors and generous overhangs. Cars were relegated to the substantial parking areas around the shopping center. In 1967, the mall was extended to the west.
A renovation during the 1970s was followed by the enclosure of the mall in the early 1980s when it was renamed Indian Hill Village. The complex ultimately failed to compete with the more popular Montclair Plaza.
Rendering of the Pomona Valley Center, Sterling Leach, 1954. Los Angeles Times, November 12, 1954.
As in other Southern California communities, banks and savings and loan companies proliferated in Pomona in the postwar period as a result of the booming real estate industry. Financial institutions would often open branch locations in proximity to new residential subdivisions. These new bank buildings often represented significant community and architectural statements, projecting an image appropriate for a successful financial institution. New postwar bank buildings in Pomona include the 1950 First National Bank of Pomona (401 E. 2nd Street, not extant). In 1956, B.H. Anderson designed the main office for Pomona First Federal Savings (399 N. Garey Avenue), a two-story, Mid-century Modern building that cost $500,000 to construct. The lobby included a Millard Sheets mural434 which was later purchased by the American Museum of Ceramic Art.435 Pomona First Federal Savings was featured in Architectural Record in June of that year. In 1957, Anderson designed the First Western Bank and Trust (1095 Garey Avenue) which opened its doors in 1958. That same year, a branch of Bank of America (2475 N. Garey Avenue) was built in north Pomona, designed by architect F.K. Lesan.
432 “Further Development of New Pomona Valley Center Slated,” Los Angeles Times, November 12, 1954. 433 The original Sears at Pomona Valley Center was designed by Stiles O. Clements in 1954 with the red brick, cut green stone, and palm trees that identified the retailer.
434 In 1982, the bank built a new ATM carport and commissioned Denis O’Connor, an associate of Sheets, to create a mosaic for the carport.
435 “Article 20,” Los Angeles Times, March 4, 1956, F7.
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 221
Left: Rendering of First Federal Savings, 399 N. Garey Avenue, 1956. Right: Interior mural by Millard Sheets, n.d.
Pomona Public Library.
In 1958, Anderson designed a branch building for Pomona First Federal Savings (originally 550 Alexander Avenue, now Indian Hill Boulevard), which was completed in 1960. The design included decorative patterned brickwork, a folded-plate roof, and electronic pole sign mounted on steel beams. On the south wall of the interior, the building contained a 78-foot-long and 7-foot-high mural by Millard Sheets entitled, “Panorama of the Pomona Valley.” At the time of its completion, it was the largest mural ever painted by Sheets.
Rendering of First Federal Savings, 550 Indian Hill Boulevard, 1958-60. Pomona Public Library
ELIGIBILITY STANDARDS
Summary Statement of Significance
In the post-World War II era, economic activity in the city expanded to serve a growing population. Redevelopment projects were also common during this period, as the City sought to enhance the downtown core. Resources that are eligible under this theme may be significant as an excellent example of post-war commercial development and expansion, as the site of a significant event, or for an association with an ethnic or cultural group or a person important in local, state, or national history. Properties may also be significant as an example of a style or type; architectural styles in Pomona are discussed in the Architecture and Design Section.
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 222 Period of Significance 1946-1980
Period of Significance Justification Broadly covers the period of commercial development in Pomona from 1946 to 1980.
Geographic Location Citywide.
Associated Property Types Commercial: One-story Building; One-story Commercial Storefront Block; Mixed-use
Building; Mixed-use Commercial Block; Retail
store; Commercial Office; Bank; Restaurant;
Theater; Hotel; Recreational Facility; Historic
District.
Property Type Description Commercial property types include malls and shopping centers, department stores,
supermarkets, coffee shops, fast-food
restaurants, and automobile showrooms.
Criterion A/1/1,9 (Events/Patterns of Development)
Individual commercial properties that are eligible under this criterion may be significant:
As the site of an event important in history; or
For exemplifying an important trend or pattern commercial development, such as an iconic business within the community, a long term business, or community gathering place; or
As an excellent and rare example of a commercial building type from the period (ex. malls, shopping centers, department stores, supermarkets, coffeeshops, fast-food restaurants).
A collection of commercial properties that are eligible under this criterion as a historic district may be significant:
For representing an important pattern or trend in commercial development. As an intact collection of businesses that represent the growth of Pomona during the period.
Note that some commercial development may span several themes or periods of development. Local designation for historic districts includes Criteria 4, 6, and 8.
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 223 Integrity Considerations:
In order to be eligible for designation under this criterion, a property must retain sufficient integrity to convey its historic significance.
Commercial properties from this period should retain integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, at a minimum, in order to convey their significance.
An individual property that is eligible for a historic association must retain the essential physical features that made up its character or appearance during the period of its association with an event or historical pattern.
Note that some properties that may not retain sufficient integrity for listing in the National Register may remain eligible for listing at the state and local levels.
For historic districts:
The majority of the components that add to the district’s historic character must possess integrity, as must the district as a whole
o The historic district must retain a majority of contributors that date from the period of significance.
o A contributing property must retain integrity of location, design, workmanship, setting, feeling, and association to adequately convey the significance of the historic district.
o Some alterations to individual buildings, such as replacement of roof materials and windows within original openings may be acceptable as long as the district as a whole continues to convey its significance.
Registration Requirements:
To be eligible under this criterion, an individual property must:
Date from the period of significance; and
Have a proven association with an event important in history; or Represent an important catalyst for a pattern or trend in commercial development; or Display most of the character-defining features of the property type or style; and Retain the essential aspects of historic integrity.
To be eligible under this criterion, a historic district eligible under this theme must:
Retain a majority of contributing buildings from the period of significance; and Retain significant character-defining features from the period of significance, including any important landscape or hardscape features; and
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 224 Retain the original layout, reflecting planning and design principles from the period; and
Retain the essential aspects of historic integrity.
Criterion B/2/2 (Important Persons)
Individual commercial properties eligible under this criterion may be significant:
For an association with persons significant in our past; or For a proven association with a specific significant ethnic or cultural group that made a demonstrable impact on the community.
Note that according to National Park Service guidance, persons significant in our past refers to individuals whose activities are demonstrably important within a local, state, or national historic context. A property is not eligible if its only justification for significance is that it was owned or used by a person who is a member of an identifiable profession, class, or social or ethnic group. In addition, the property must be associated with a person’s productive life, reflecting the time period when he or she achieved significance.
Integrity Considerations:
In order to be eligible for designation under this criterion, a property must retain sufficient integrity from the period of significance to convey its association with the important person. Commercial properties from this period should retain integrity of design, workmanship, feeling, and association, at a minimum, in order to convey the property’s association with the significant person’s productive period.
A general rule is that the property must be recognizable to contemporaries of the person with which it is associated.
Registration Requirements:
To be eligible under this criterion a property must:
Have a proven association with the productive period of a person important to local, state, or national history; and
Display most of the character-defining features of the property type or style from the period of significance (i.e., the period when the property was associated with the important person); and
Retain the essential aspects of integrity.
Criterion C/3/3,5,7 (Architecture and Design)
Individual commercial properties that are eligible under this criterion may be significant as:
A good/excellent or rare example of an architectural style, property type, or method of construction; or
Historic Resources Group Pomona Historic Context Statement 225 A distinctive work by a noted architect, landscape architect, builder, or designer.
Integrity Considerations:
In order to be eligible for designation under this criterion, a property must retain sufficient integrity from the period of significance to convey its architecture. Commercial properties significant under this criterion should retain integrity of design, materials, workmanship, and feeling, at a minimum.
A property that is eligible for designation as a good/excellent or rare example of its style or type retains most - though not necessarily all - of the character-defining features of the style.
A property important for illustrating a particular architectural style or construction technique must retain most of the physical features that constitute that style or technique. A property can be eligible if it has lost some historic materials or details but retains the majority of the essential features from the period of significance. These features illustrate the style in terms of the massing, spatial relationships, proportion, pattern of windows and doors, texture of materials, and ornamentation. A property is not eligible if it retains some basic features conveying massing but has lost the majority of the features that once characterized its style. Replacement of storefronts is a common and acceptable alteration. Setting may have changed (surrounding buildings and land uses).
Registration Requirements:
To be eligible under this criterion a property must:
Date from the period of significance; and
Represent a good/excellent or rare example of a style or type; and Display most of the character-defining features of the style or type; and Represent quality of design and distinctive details; and Retain the essential aspects of integrity.
By By DAVID ALLENDAVID ALLEN | | [email protected]@scng.com | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin UPDATED: UPDATED: August 29, 2017 at 9:29 AM PDTAugust 29, 2017 at 9:29 AM PDT AN ARBY’S on Pomona’s North Garey Avenue turned 40 this year – but it looks barely a yearAN ARBY’S on Pomona’s North Garey Avenue turned 40 this year – but it looks barely a year old.old.
A tall sign shaped like a ten-gallon hat stands proudly outside, proclaiming its message inA tall sign shaped like a ten-gallon hat stands proudly outside, proclaiming its message in neon: “Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich is Delicious.” A less boastful message is in smaller letters:neon: “Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich is Delicious.” A less boastful message is in smaller letters:
“Drive-Thru.”“Drive-Thru.”
Matching the cowboy sign is the rectangular building with a curved roof and overhang, meantMatching the cowboy sign is the rectangular building with a curved roof and overhang, meant to resemble a horse-drawn covered wagon that Western pioneers traveled in.to resemble a horse-drawn covered wagon that Western pioneers traveled in.
A broad window covers most of the facade. The patio tables out front are shaded by moldedA broad window covers most of the facade. The patio tables out front are shaded by molded plastic umbrellas, each permanently set at a mod-ish tilt.plastic umbrellas, each permanently set at a mod-ish tilt.
In short, the place screams 1960s.In short, the place screams 1960s. “There are people who come in tour groups and just take pictures of it,” manager Araceli“There are people who come in tour groups and just take pictures of it,” manager Araceli Calderon told me.Calderon told me.
NEWSNEWS
Old-style Arby’s is one of the few leftOld-style Arby’s is one of the few left The cramped building can be inconvenient – restrooms and supply rooms can only beThe cramped building can be inconvenient – restrooms and supply rooms can only be reached by going outdoors – but Calderon said: “It’s like a historic piece.”reached by going outdoors – but Calderon said: “It’s like a historic piece.” The Pomona Arby’s is among the earlier locations and longest survivors in the 3,600-The Pomona Arby’s is among the earlier locations and longest survivors in the 3,600- restaurant chain that launched in Boardman, Ohio, in 1964.restaurant chain that launched in Boardman, Ohio, in 1964.
The Garey restaurant opened shortly after Jan. 6, 1970, the date of its final inspection by theThe Garey restaurant opened shortly after Jan. 6, 1970, the date of its final inspection by the city’s Building Department.city’s Building Department.
I’m afraid I missed the 40th anniversary, but then, I had been waiting until a warm summerI’m afraid I missed the 40th anniversary, but then, I had been waiting until a warm summer night to take some friends to eat on the patio.night to take some friends to eat on the patio.
We went one night late in August, but we missed the warm summer night. The temperatureWe went one night late in August, but we missed the warm summer night. The temperature was near 60 and required jackets. It might have been warmer in January.was near 60 and required jackets. It might have been warmer in January.
The Arby’s, at 2250 N. Garey, is part of a fast-food mecca on east side of the street. Starting atThe Arby’s, at 2250 N. Garey, is part of a fast-food mecca on east side of the street. Starting at Arrow Highway and working south, there’s KFC, Sizzler, Arby’s, Taco Bell and McDonald’s. (ItArrow Highway and working south, there’s KFC, Sizzler, Arby’s, Taco Bell and McDonald’s. (It might be the unhealthiest block in the Inland Valley.)might be the unhealthiest block in the Inland Valley.) Arby’s four competitors have undergone makeovers to add height, play areas or a fresh look.Arby’s four competitors have undergone makeovers to add height, play areas or a fresh look.
The Arby’s, commendably, is above that.The Arby’s, commendably, is above that.
It says: This is what I am. I have a big corny hat and a chuckwagon shape and you have toIt says: This is what I am. I have a big corny hat and a chuckwagon shape and you have to walk around to the side to find the restroom. Take me or leave me.walk around to the side to find the restroom. Take me or leave me.
Our group – Canan, Liset, Wendy and myself – decided to take it.Our group – Canan, Liset, Wendy and myself – decided to take it.
The four of us pulled up in four cars – hey, this is Southern California – and went inside. TheThe four of us pulled up in four cars – hey, this is Southern California – and went inside. The interior has three booths and one table. That’s it. The service counter stretches across theinterior has three booths and one table. That’s it. The service counter stretches across the width of the building.width of the building.
Although we liked the rock walls, we were determined to eat outside.Although we liked the rock walls, we were determined to eat outside.
The menu these days has some exotic items: “pecan chicken salad” sandwich, “farm house”The menu these days has some exotic items: “pecan chicken salad” sandwich, “farm house” salad, roast beef gyro, jalape o bites and beverages dubbed “fruiteas.”salad, roast beef gyro, jalape o bites and beverages dubbed “fruiteas.” Read MoreRead More
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Such items were undreamt-of when brothers Forrest and Leroy Raffel opened their firstSuch items were undreamt-of when brothers Forrest and Leroy Raffel opened their first Arby’s – in Boardman, Ohio, just outside Youngstown, on July 23, 1964 – serving only roastArby’s – in Boardman, Ohio, just outside Youngstown, on July 23, 1964 – serving only roast beef sandwiches, potato chips and drinks.beef sandwiches, potato chips and drinks.
According to a corporate history, they wanted to call their restaurant Big Tex, but the nameAccording to a corporate history, they wanted to call their restaurant Big Tex, but the name was taken. Instead, the Raffel brothers named the restaurant after themselves, sort of, callingwas taken. Instead, the Raffel brothers named the restaurant after themselves, sort of, calling it Arby’s, a phonetic version of R.B.’s.it Arby’s, a phonetic version of R.B.’s.
The menu’s presentation is glitzier too. I noticed 18 numbered items, each illustrated by aThe menu’s presentation is glitzier too. I noticed 18 numbered items, each illustrated by a photo.photo.
“They don’t have a menu. All they have are pictures. Where are the words?” Wendy“They don’t have a menu. All they have are pictures. Where are the words?” Wendy whispered.whispered.
Even a caveman could order here. Just point and grunt.Even a caveman could order here. Just point and grunt.
We got our sandwiches and curly fries – Arby’s touts itself as a curly-fry pioneer – and took aWe got our sandwiches and curly fries – Arby’s touts itself as a curly-fry pioneer – and took a seat outside on the patio.seat outside on the patio.
One other table was occupied, by a couple of guys who weren’t eating. In fact, one left on footOne other table was occupied, by a couple of guys who weren’t eating. In fact, one left on foot and returned with cones from McDonald’s.and returned with cones from McDonald’s.
I guess he didn’t want the ice cream treat pictured on an Arby’s window poster, a “strawberryI guess he didn’t want the ice cream treat pictured on an Arby’s window poster, a “strawberry banana split shake,” described as “the split you can eat with a straw.”banana split shake,” described as “the split you can eat with a straw.” The Garey patio is one of the best features. Streetside seating in the Inland Valley is hard toThe Garey patio is one of the best features. Streetside seating in the Inland Valley is hard to come by. I recommend the view at dusk: the neon burning in the hat sign overhead,come by. I recommend the view at dusk: the neon burning in the hat sign overhead, headlights switched on as cars whiz by a few feet away, the sun setting behind the vacantheadlights switched on as cars whiz by a few feet away, the sun setting behind the vacant supermarket across the street.supermarket across the street.
We talked about childhood Arby’s experiences, argued about whether the Horsey sauce hadWe talked about childhood Arby’s experiences, argued about whether the Horsey sauce had horseradish and compared the thin-sliced processed roast beef with the Carl Buddig brand.horseradish and compared the thin-sliced processed roast beef with the Carl Buddig brand.
Canan phoned the 800 number on her receipt and took a short survey to get a free sandwich.Canan phoned the 800 number on her receipt and took a short survey to get a free sandwich.
Liset did the same. Their confirmation numbers were one digit apart.Liset did the same. Their confirmation numbers were one digit apart.
We regretted all ordering sandwiches. What if one of us had paid for food, and then anotherWe regretted all ordering sandwiches. What if one of us had paid for food, and then another had used that receipt to claim a free sandwich, and then the next person had used that receipthad used that receipt to claim a free sandwich, and then the next person had used that receipt to get a free sandwich…to get a free sandwich…
Lorena, a late arrival, joined us.Lorena, a late arrival, joined us. “Are they giving out free sandwiches? Or balloons?” she asked.“Are they giving out free sandwiches? Or balloons?” she asked.
I explained that Aug. 30 wasn’t the actual 40th anniversary and that we were there toI explained that Aug. 30 wasn’t the actual 40th anniversary and that we were there to celebrate the anniversary in general. She stayed anyway.celebrate the anniversary in general. She stayed anyway.
The conversation continued. We learned that Lorena and Liset, who are sisters, had recentlyThe conversation continued. We learned that Lorena and Liset, who are sisters, had recently attended a wedding in Mexico that was also attended by the interim city manager of Bell.attended a wedding in Mexico that was also attended by the interim city manager of Bell.
That’s not relevant to anything, but I figure any mention of Bell right now is good forThat’s not relevant to anything, but I figure any mention of Bell right now is good for readership.readership.
Originally Published: Originally Published: September 7, 2010 at 12:00 AM PDTSeptember 7, 2010 at 12:00 AM PDT Arby’s original location in Ohio is still in operation. The fledgling chain opened its secondArby’s original location in Ohio is still in operation. The fledgling chain opened its second outlet in 1965, in Akron, and began expanding to other states in 1968, beginning withoutlet in 1965, in Akron, and began expanding to other states in 1968, beginning with Pennsylvania and Michigan.Pennsylvania and Michigan.
Sometime in 1970, Arby’s reached 250 locations. The Arby’s that opened that year in PomonaSometime in 1970, Arby’s reached 250 locations. The Arby’s that opened that year in Pomona was the first in the Inland Valley.was the first in the Inland Valley.
It must have been popular, because a second Pomona location opened in 1971 at 1175 E. HoltIt must have been popular, because a second Pomona location opened in 1971 at 1175 E. Holt Ave. That Arby’s is now King’s Teriyaki and still sports the chuckwagon building, but not theAve. That Arby’s is now King’s Teriyaki and still sports the chuckwagon building, but not the ten-gallon hat sign.ten-gallon hat sign.
Arby’s added an average of 50 locations a year nationwide in the 1970s, but not here. A thirdArby’s added an average of 50 locations a year nationwide in the 1970s, but not here. A third Arby’s, at 599 N. Mountain Ave. in Upland, didn’t arrive until 1981. It’s still there, but it’s got aArby’s, at 599 N. Mountain Ave. in Upland, didn’t arrive until 1981. It’s still there, but it’s got a modern design.modern design.
The chain phased out the Conestoga wagon look and the ten-gallon hat in the mid-1970s. MostThe chain phased out the Conestoga wagon look and the ten-gallon hat in the mid-1970s. Most of the older Arby’s have been updated.of the older Arby’s have been updated.
The giant hat signs are still found at some older locations that predate more restrictive signThe giant hat signs are still found at some older locations that predate more restrictive sign laws, even when the buildings have been changed.laws, even when the buildings have been changed.
Spokeswoman Kathy Siefert said she doesn’t have a count as to how many Arby’s still have theSpokeswoman Kathy Siefert said she doesn’t have a count as to how many Arby’s still have the Conestoga-wagon shape, “but I can tell you it’s only a handful. Under 10.”Conestoga-wagon shape, “but I can tell you it’s only a handful. Under 10.” Under 10?! Pomona is in exclusive company.Under 10?! Pomona is in exclusive company.
How long it will stay that way is unknown. Siefert said the Garey location is company-owned,How long it will stay that way is unknown. Siefert said the Garey location is company-owned, not a franchise, and that Arby’s is spending $100 million in the next three years to renovatenot a franchise, and that Arby’s is spending $100 million in the next three years to renovate many of its restaurants.many of its restaurants.
She didn’t know of any specific plans to yank the Garey restaurant from the 1960s into theShe didn’t know of any specific plans to yank the Garey restaurant from the 1960s into the 2010s.2010s.
“Please don’t touch Pomona,” I told her, doing some preemptive pleading. She joked that she’d“Please don’t touch Pomona,” I told her, doing some preemptive pleading. She joked that she’d see what she could do.see what she could do.
It may look outdated, but for some of us, the Garey Avenue Arby’s is a welcome wagon.It may look outdated, but for some of us, the Garey Avenue Arby’s is a welcome wagon.
David Allen writes Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, columns that could be improved byDavid Allen writes Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, columns that could be improved by Horsey sauce. E-mail Horsey sauce. E-mail [email protected]@inlandnewspapers.com, call 909-483-9339 or write 2041 E., call 909-483-9339 or write 2041 E.
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It’s RIP for Arby’s in Pomona
Posted on June 1, 2012
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The Arby’s at 2250 N. Garey Ave. in Pomona, a location that dates to 1970 and was never updated, closed May 26. Sunday’s column begins with an item on the restaurant.
There were said to be under 10 locations in the United States that had retained the hat sign and the chuckwagon shape. I’m not a big fast food fan or Arby’s fan, but my friends and I loved the building, the sign and the patio. So let’s pay a visual tribute.
Above is the building in 2010. Below is the sign being (say it ain’t so!) dismantled and hauled away on Tuesday, shot by reader David Pinal.
I stopped by on Thursday morning to confirm the location was closed for good rather than for remodeling. Signs in the windows direct patrons to Arby’s in Ontario, Chino Hills, Upland and Covina. The interior is cleaned out.
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There was still one shaded table and one waste receptacle (complete with “tray caddy”) left on the patio. Both look original. I’m assuming they’re gone by now. Click on the thumbnails for a larger view.
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Without a neon sign in the shape of a ten-gallon hat, Garey Avenue is a little less interesting.
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With today's rules and strict sign regulations the days of iconic symbols of entrepreneurship and true Americana are dwindling away never to be permitted again :(
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1 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/17/2025
Elevation: West
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2 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: South
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3 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: South
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4 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: South
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5 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: West
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6 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: North
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7 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: North
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8 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: North
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9 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: West
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10 Photograph Description
Date taken : Thursday, 04/16/2025
Elevation: East
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11 Photograph Description
Date taken by Google Maps : November 2023
Elevation: East
Status: Unpermitted demolition. During a site inspection on 04/16/2025, Staff viewed demolition crews on site in the pro- cess of removing all landscaping and the waste enclosure associated with 2250 N. Garey Ave. Staff was unable to capture the waste enclosure.
Aerial View