W.T. Grant Building

W.T. Grant was one of a number of variety store retailers that clustered on the section of Third Street in Santa Monica that developed into the Third Street Promenade. It was designed by Webber and Nelson in the late phase Art Deco style known as Classical Moderne that was used widely for commercial buildings. Construction started in 1936 with the store celebrating its grand opening June 4, 1937. A false façade that was added during the 1950’s was removed as part of a renovation to accommodate the multi-faceted needs of the UCLA Extension College of Interior Design. Other exterior modifications were removed before Zara, an international apparel retailer, moved into the space around 2008. A City of Santa Monica survey indicates that the building appears to be eligible for listing as Santa Monica Landmark.

Santa Monica, Los Angeles County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt