Pico Rivera : Mt. Baldy Inn Being Razed

Demolition crews this week began tearing down the old Mt. Baldy Inn, one of Southern California’s most popular eateries during the Depression. Known as much for its rugged, snow-capped roof line as its fresh-squeezed orange juice and sandwiches, the inn lured customers from miles around.

But in recent years it had been abandoned and now is being razed to make way for 34 single-family homes, which will be built on the 6.6-acre site in the 9600 block of Whittier Boulevard just west of the San Gabriel River flood channel. The area is in the city’s redevelopment zone.

City officials had hoped to tear down the aging restaurant several months ago, but federal officials required the city to photograph and document the inn’s history and condition. The paper work was required by federal officials because federal funds are being used for the housing project. Construction on the homes is scheduled to begin next month.