LAKEWOOD
Situated in Los Angeles County, California, Lakewood stands as a testament to post-World War II ingenuity and urban planning. With a population of 80,048 as of the 2010 census, Lakewood is strategically bordered by Long Beach to the west and south, Bellflower to the north, Cerritos to the northeast, Cypress to the east, and Hawaiian Gardens to the southeast.
Lakewood's development was spearheaded by developers Louis Boyar, Mark Taper, and Ben Weingart, who envisioned a revolutionary planned community that would redefine suburban living in Southern California. This vision became a reality with the commencement of construction in late 1949 and the completion of the developers' ambitious plan in 1953.
Innovative marketing strategies, including offering World War II veterans home loans with no down payment and a 30-year mortgage at a mere 4 percent interest, attracted throngs of eager homebuyers. The unprecedented success of Lakewood's sales campaign saw an estimated 30,000 people lining up on the first day of sales, with over 1,000 families purchasing homes within weeks.
Lakewood's rapid transformation from empty fields to a thriving community of 17,500 houses in less than three years set records and captured the imagination of urban planners nationwide. The city's primary thoroughfares boast boulevards with landscaped medians, a design lauded for its blend of urban grid and suburban sensibilities.
In 1954, faced with the choice of annexation, remaining unincorporated, or incorporating as a city, Lakewood residents opted for the latter, making history as the largest community in the country ever to do so. This decision paved the way for Lakewood to become the nation's first "contract city," pioneering a model where municipal services are primarily provided through contracts with Los Angeles County and other public agencies.
Lakewood's innovative approach to governance and service provision has influenced numerous California cities, with many adopting the so-called "Lakewood Plan." Today, Lakewood stands as a shining example of visionary urban planning and community development, offering its residents a high quality of life and a legacy of innovation in municipal governance.
