Chimney Sweep In Lakewood, California

Lakewood’s history is intricately linked with the suburban boom that followed World War II. Prior to the 1940s, the area was primarily agricultural, with dairy farms and ranches dominating the landscape. However, post-war housing demand, driven by returning veterans and their families, transformed Lakewood into one of the first large-scale, planned suburban communities in the United States.

Lakewood’s development is often referred to as an "instant city." Between 1950 and 1953, developers built more than 17,000 homes, giving rise to what became the nation’s largest planned community at the time. It was built by the Lakewood Park Company and primarily consisted of single-family homes targeted at the burgeoning middle class. The city officially incorporated in 1954, securing its place as a quintessential post-war American suburb.

Lakewood’s architecture reflects its origins as a rapidly developed, planned community. The city’s housing stock is a testament to the post-World War II building boom, with its primary architectural style rooted in the California ranch home.

1. Ranch-Style Homes: The ranch-style home defines Lakewood’s residential landscape. These homes, popular in the 1950s, were designed for the growing middle class. They are typically single-story, with a low roofline, open floor plans, and large picture windows. The homes were often built on modest-sized lots, making them affordable to returning veterans under the GI Bill. The ranch style emphasizes a connection to the outdoors, with patios and large front or back yards that promote family life and leisure.
2. Tract Housing: Lakewood is often cited as an example of tract housing, where developers built large numbers of nearly identical homes in a short period of time. This uniformity gave the city a distinct suburban character, but it also allowed for efficiency in construction, making housing affordable to the masses. These homes are known for their simplicity, functionality, and affordability, and many of the original homes have been well-maintained or remodeled over the years.
3. Mid-Century Modern: While ranch homes dominate, Lakewood also features elements of mid-century modern design. Some homes incorporate flat planes, large glass windows, and open interiors that blend the indoors with the outdoors, reflective of the mid-century modern movement that took hold in Southern California.
4. Contemporary and Mediterranean Influences: As the city matured, many homeowners updated their homes or rebuilt entirely, incorporating contemporary and Mediterranean influences. These newer homes often feature stucco exteriors, tiled roofs, and arched windows, adding variety to the predominantly ranch-style neighborhoods. While many of these homes retain their original footprint, modern upgrades have introduced new materials and architectural details.

Lakewood’s urban planning was revolutionary at the time. Developers designed the city with a strong emphasis on suburban living, with amenities that catered to the growing middle class. The Lakewood Center, one of the first shopping malls in the United States, opened in 1952 and became a hub for the community. It exemplified the shift toward car-centric suburban development, where residential neighborhoods were separate from commercial areas but easily accessible by car.

Lakewood’s street layout also reflects this suburban planning, with wide, tree-lined streets, cul-de-sacs, and residential areas designed for low traffic. The city’s emphasis on community and family life is reflected in its numerous parks, schools, and recreational facilities, which were integral to the city’s design.

Today, Lakewood retains much of its original suburban charm, with many of the mid-century ranch homes still intact. However, modernization has brought new styles and home renovations that reflect contemporary tastes. Lakewood’s proximity to Long Beach and its convenient access to major freeways have made it a desirable place to live, and the city has seen a resurgence in property values as younger families move into the area.

Newer developments in the city incorporate townhomes and multi-family housing, reflecting the region’s growing population and demand for more diverse housing options. However, the city has maintained its low-density residential character, preserving its status as a classic American suburb.