GAME OVER FOR HOLIDAY BOWL?

By Scott Kurashige
from Gidra Summer 2001
photos: Brian Minami

Until its doors closed last May, Crenshaw's Holiday Bowl constantly drew together Angelenos of all races, ages and classes. It was a unique social space unlike any other in Los Angeles, or for that matter, the world. While its modernist "Googie" architecture alone makes it worthy of landmark status.
Contrary to previous racially restrictive convenants, Crenshaw was at the forefront of the fair housing movement in the postwar era. After opening in 1958, Holiday Bowl became the hub of this integrated neighborhood. The coffee shop's menu – an eclectic fusion of grits, udon, chow mein, and hamburgers – mirrored the diversity of its patrons.
For Japanese Americans interned by the government during the war, the Bowl's very construction symbolized the rebuilding of shattered lives. Its five Nisei founders sold shares in the Bowl throughout the community to finance the business. During the 1960's and 1970's, Holiday Bowl was arguably the most recognized hang-out for the Sansei generation.
For African Americans, the Bowl's active recruitment of all races gave it a central place in the desegregation of bowling leagues. Holiday Bowl is one of a few historic structures remaining on the Crenshaw Boulevard strip that is in many ways the "Main Street" of Black L.A., but is becoming increasingly made over by corporate retail establishments.
Unfortunately, the combination of recession and bad management decisions crippled the business in the 1990's. Holiday Bowl was abruptly shut down on May 7, 2000. In escrow to buy the land and structure (which had always been leased by Holiday Bowl's operators), developer Abe Shofet of Axiom Real Estate applied for a demolition permit to make way for a strip-mall. Councilmember Nate Holden rushed to support demolition, advancing the misguided notion that community residents must choose between preservation and economic development.
Word of the Bowl's possible demolition spurred the creation of the Coalition to Save Holiday Bowl and a grassroots effort which has kept it alive against all odds. Supporters of the landmark argue that the popularity and name-recognition of the Holiday Bowl would make it a drawing point for a new development that incorporated it into its plan.
Responding to a community campaign for preservation and revitalization, the City of L.A. Cultural Heritage Commission voted last July to designate Holiday Bowl an historic-cultural monument. The City Council voted to preserve only the building's facade, leaving the bowling alley available for redevelopment.
Before a wrecking ball destroys this irreplaceable treasure forever, now is the time to act on the Bowl's behalf. Contact: John English, Coalition to Save Holiday Bowl (323) 666-9623.