In Photos: Unique Architecture From the Past

Toed Inn, 12008 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California. 1940.

‘Combine a freethinking populace with a desire to reinvent itself, and a climate was created that served as the perfect incubator for the outrageous and amazing’ – Jim Heimann

All photographs: Jim Heimann Collection/Taschen

Big Donut Drive-In, 805 West Manchester Boulevard, Inglewood, California, 1955.

‘With an urban landscape rapidly closing in, the competition for customers’ attention became acute and the luxury of open space and high visibility the first generation of buildings experienced was no longer there. The giant sign fulfilled the new roadside expectations. Russ Wendell realized this when he planned his Big Donut chain in 1949’ – Jim Heimann