Central Manufacturing District, looking northwest

 United States > California > Los Angeles County > Downey

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Aerial view of the Central Manufacturing District, located within the cities of Commerce, Bell, and Vernon view is looking northwest from over Downey at 10,400 feet. The Rio Hondo is horizontally in the foreground, the Los Angeles River is at upper left, and the Santa Ana (5) Freeway can be seen running up through the center. Photograph dated December 3, 1957. Central Manufacturing District is an industrial tract of approximately 2800 acres, partly located within the cities of Commerce, Bell, and Vernon. In 1923, the tract comprised 300 acres of the old Rancho San Antonio, one of the original Spanish land grants. Railroad lines and utilities were laid and the Terminal Building became the first structure erected at 4814 Loma Vista Avenue, and serves as its landmark. In 1928 the assets were purchased by the Santa Fe for further development. The district added new areas in 1930, 1932, 1947 and 1948 - to provide for new and expanding industries and services.