Images of Downtown Ojai

The renowned Edward Libbey, of Libbey Glass had a lot to do with creating the architectural look of downtown Ojai. Libby, who loved Ojai, built a home on Foothill Road and lived there for an increasing period of time each year. In 1914 he shared his ideas with a group of civic leaders. Libbey thought the town needed a sense of cohesion. He wanted distinction. His view was to enhance the existing rustic shops on Ojai Avenue with an architectural structure. And he had Ideas for an area above the main town to be called the Arbolada, with winding roads and architecture that blended with the natural landscape.

On April 24, 1914 eighty seven men attended a special meeting called by Libbey in which he described his plans. They were received with unanimous approval. Libbey then hired a San Diego architect, Richard S. Requa.

Requa looked the town over and came up with an idea for a Spanish style arcade which would enclose the shops on Ojai Avenue. And a tower fashioned after the famous Campanile in Havana, which would house a Post Office. And a beautiful Pergola to face the arcade from the other side of Ojai Avenue, and provide access to a civic park. All were built, most financed by Libbey himself.