History of Van Nuys in Timeline

Van Nuys is the most populous neighborhood in the San Fernando Valley, a region of Los Angeles, California. It is centrally located within the Valley and houses key facilities like the Van Nuys Airport and the Valley Municipal Building. The neighborhood is a major transportation hub, contributing significantly to the Valley's economy and infrastructure.

1909: Suburban Homes Company Purchases Land and Plans Towns

In 1909, the Suburban Homes Company, led by Hobart Johnstone Whitley, bought 48,000 acres of land and planned the development of Van Nuys, Reseda, and Canoga Park. Henry E. Huntington extended the Pacific Electric Railway through the Valley.

1911: Founding of Van Nuys

Van Nuys was founded in 1911 and named after Isaac Newton Van Nuys, a rancher and entrepreneur.

May 22, 1915: Annexation of Van Nuys into Los Angeles

On May 22, 1915, Van Nuys was annexed by Los Angeles after the completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which supplied necessary water resources. The town became the first new stop on the Pacific Electric Railway's San Fernando Line.

1915: Annexation of Rural Areas into Los Angeles

The rural areas, including Van Nuys, were annexed into the city of Los Angeles in 1915.

1917: Day Trips for Potential Buyers

In 1917, day trips from as far as Alhambra were organized for potential buyers interested in five-acre farms in Van Nuys.

1932: Construction of Valley Municipal Building

The Art Deco Valley Municipal Building (Van Nuys City Hall) was constructed in 1932, becoming a landmark and the start of the present-day Government Center complex.

1936: Opening of South Gate Assembly Plant

General Motors opened their South Gate Assembly factory in 1936.

December 1947: Opening of Van Nuys Assembly Plant

General Motors opened the Van Nuys Assembly plant in December 1947 to supplement production at their South Gate facility.

1958: Founding of Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Valley Presbyterian Hospital, a 350-bed facility designed by William Pereira, was founded in Van Nuys in 1958.

1984: Filming of The Terminator

Parts of the 1984 film "The Terminator" were filmed in Van Nuys.

October 1989: Relocation of Camaro and Firebird Production

In October 1989, GM announced that Camaro and Firebird production would move from Van Nuys to Sainte-Thérèse.

1991: Redesignation of Van Nuys Area into Sherman Oaks

In 1991, a 45-block area of Van Nuys, including Magnolia Woods, was redesignated as part of Sherman Oaks due to resident petitions and original deeds.

1991: Relocation of Van Nuys Middle School

Van Nuys Middle School relocated to Sherman Oaks in 1991 but retained the name "Van Nuys."

August 1992: Closure of Van Nuys Assembly Plant

The General Motors Van Nuys Assembly plant closed in August 1992 after producing 6.3 million vehicles.

1999: Opening of The Plant Shopping Center

The Plant shopping center opened in 1999 on the former site of the General Motors Van Nuys Assembly plant.

2000: Education Levels of Van Nuys Residents

By 2000, 15% of Van Nuys residents aged 25 and older had a four-year degree, while a high percentage (43.1%) had less than a high school diploma.

2000: U.S. Census Data for Van Nuys

The 2000 U.S. Census recorded 136,443 residents in Van Nuys, with a median age of 28. The area had a high percentage of residents aged 10 or younger and 19 to 34.

October 2005: Opening of Metro Orange Line Stations

In October 2005, the Metro Orange Line opened with two stations in Van Nuys: Van Nuys station and Sepulveda station.

2008: Household Income and Housing Data

In 2008, the median yearly household income in Van Nuys was $41,134. Renters occupied a significant portion (73.9%) of the housing stock.

2009: Neighborhoods Break Off from Van Nuys

In 2009, some Van Nuys neighborhoods were allowed to join Lake Balboa, Valley Glen, and Sherman Oaks, purportedly to increase property values. This move was criticized by Council member Tony Cardenas as potentially racially motivated.

2011: Relocation of Social Security Administration Office

The Social Security Administration closed its Van Nuys branch on Van Nuys Boulevard in 2011 and moved to Panorama City.

May 2014: Resurfacing of Sepulveda Boulevard and "Great Streets" Project

Sepulveda Boulevard was resurfaced between Victory Boulevard and Oxnard Street in May 2014, coinciding with the launch of the "Great Streets" project on Van Nuys Blvd.

2016: Construction of Los Angeles County Family Services Building

A new Los Angeles County family services building was constructed at Van Nuys Blvd. and Saticoy Street in 2016.

2016: Relocation of North Los Angeles County Regional Center

The North Los Angeles County Regional Center, operated by the California Department of Developmental Services, relocated from Sherman Way in Van Nuys to Chatsworth in 2016.