South Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Leon “Ted” Garr Square
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 18, 2023
1. Leon “Ted” Garr Square Marker
In honor of Leon “Ted” Garr, a veteran, philanthropist and founder of Garr Enterprises — Construction, motels, senior citizen housing, child care centers, community college and Founder's National Bank.
Erected 2017 by City of Los Angeles.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 33° 58.935′ N, 118° 17.484′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Los Angeles. Marker is at the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Gage Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Vermont Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6264 S Vermont Ave, Los Angeles CA 90042, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Exposition Club House (approx. 2 miles away); Exposition Park International Community Center (approx. 2.1 miles away); Wrigley Field (approx. 2.2 miles away); Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (approx. 2.2 miles away); Vin Scully (approx. 2.2 miles away); Los Angeles Dodgers (approx. 2.2 miles away); Jackie Robinson (approx. 2.2 miles away); Los Angeles Sports Arena (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
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Regarding Leon “Ted” Garr Square. In the 1980s, Leon Garr Construction Company was one of the foremost Black-owned general contractors in Southern California.
In 1989, federal regulators seized Founders Savings & Loan, one of the largest Black-owned savings and loan institutions in the western United States. Leon understood that the community of South Central Los Angeles would only benefit from having access to local capital, and it was critical that the bank be saved so that South Los Angeles might prosper. On January 22, 1991, Leon became the Founders’ new owner. Once the transaction was completed, the name was changed to Founders National Bank. In addition to the Los Angeles branch, it quickly expanded into the cities of Compton and Gardena. In the early 2000s, Leon moved on to develop more entrepreneurial ventures. The bank today is known as One United Bank, which became the first commercial bank owned by African-Americans west of the Mississippi.
On May 4, 2017, the intersection of Vermont and Gage Avenue was designated Leon Garr Square, in honor of his career achievements as a businessman and unsung hero. Garr passed away on December 5, 2017, at age 103.
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 18, 2023
2. Leon “Ted” Garr Square Marker
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 18, 2023
3. John Muir Branch Library
One block south of Leon Garr Square, built in 1930. L.A. Historic Moment No. 305, and National Register of Historic Places.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 20, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on June 22, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
