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Southwest Mobile Storage - Best Mobile Storage & Office Containers In Norwaik, CA

Southwest Mobile Storage is a family-owned shipping container business founded in 1995. Our strength for more than 25 years comes from the specialized knowledge and passion of our people, along with serving over 24,000 commercial, construction and residential customers. Our facility and expertise in maintaining, manufacturing, and delivering corrugated steel containers is unrivaled in the industry.

While the rental side of our business is regional with branches throughout the Southwest, our container sales and modification operations are nationwide and becoming global. Norwaik, CA offers a wide selection of portable offices and mobile storage containers you can rent, buy or modify.

Our experts in container rental, sales and customization are committed to providing you the highest quality and best experience from service to delivery - our reputation depends on it.

Whether your need is for storage, office space, moving, multi-purpose or custom use, we've got your back. Here's how:

Storage Containers Norwaik, CA
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NO MATTER YOUR NEED, WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK.

STORE AT YOUR LOCATION

We bring your storage container to you for convenient, easy access at your home, business or jobsite. Plus, you'll get more choice in storage space and better security, for a fraction of the cost of a pod or add on building, saving money and energy.

STORE AT OUR LOCATION

Not enough room to keep a storage container at your business, home or construction site? No problem - we can store it for you. Plus, you get 70% more space and better security, for a fraction of the cost of public storage units.

CUSTOM STORAGE

Need a permanent storage solution for your business, residence or construction? We sell new and used shipping containers in many sizes with a variety of add-ons. Or customize a container to your specific storage needs with our certified fabrication experts.

LOCAL MOVE

Take your time packing with our moving containers. We'll deliver to your business or home and pick it up whenever you're ready to move. So, you don't have to stress about moving or making multiple trips in one day, like if you rented a moving truck.

LONG-DISTANCE MOVE

Our moving container solutions ensure the long-distance move of your home or business is highly efficient and affordable throughout the southwest. In fact, we usually cost 20%-40% less than full-service movers.

MOVING & STORAGE

We understand move-in and move-out dates might be different. We can store your moving container at our highly secure facilities until you're ready to move to your new home or business location, and you can conveniently access it at any time.

OFFICE USE

Whether you need a workspace, conference room, or other office requirement, our ground-mounted mobile offices meet any and all of your business needs. Plus, it's faster and easier than building additions.

BUSINESS USE

If you need your shipping container to serve multiple uses, such as office-storage combos, breakrooms and even utilities, we've got you covered. We'll modify a custom container to fit your business needs and bring your business to the next level

CUSTOM USE

We'll create a custom container to fit your unique needs anywhere in the US. With our container modification expertise, we make any idea a reality. From pop-up stores to multi-story structures, our unrivaled facilities and fabrication experts do it all.

You'll get your own dedicated storage and container expert to serve as your one point of contact for easy, convenient service you can trust.
With our wide selection of intermodal containers for sale and rent, you'll find exactly what you need, from size, to type and condition.
We maintain our rental fleet to the highest standard - our integrity depends on it.
Our certified, experienced Conex container modification experts have more than 500 years combined experience modifying ISO containers.
All of our containers come with high security dual-locking system for no additional charge, so you can rest assured your stored items stay safe and that you don't have to pay extra for it.
icon-scale
At our unrivaled 90,000 sq ft indoor fabrication facility, ensuring your custom shipping container is made exactly to your specifications.
With our level of service, quality and expertise, you won't find a better value anywhere else.
Our portable offices include lighting and electrical outlets, internet hookups, HVAC and were crafted by our in-house steel container fabrication experts for top-quality construction.

Premium Quality - High Security

With Southwest Mobile Storage, you get much more than a POD or typical Conex box. You also get high security, unparalleled service and unmatched container modification expertise and facilities. No other company offers that much.

Shipping containers and storage containers come in a range of sizes. The most common external lengths are 20ft and 40ft with a width of 8ft. ISO Containers are typically 8ft 6in tall, but high cube containers are 9ft 6in tall. We also have steel containers in a variety of sizes from 10ft long to 45ft long to rent or buy, and we can modify shipping containers into any size you want.

 Rent Storage Containers Norwaik, CA

SMS Mobile Storage Containers have these high quality features:

1/8" thick steel plate bottom side rails
High strength steel supporting cross members
1 1/8" thick hardwood floor with galvanized self-tapping screws
16-gauge corrugated steel walls
16-gauge roof
270-degree swing cargo door(s)
High security dual-locking system*
Spot-grinded, primed & repainted with a beige high-grade water reducible alkyd direct-to-metal enamel*
* Comes standard on all rental units

SMS portable workspace containers have these structural features:

High security window bars, lever & deadbolt set with lock box
Studs & R-19 Insulation covered with wood paneling
1 1/8" marine board floor is covered with a durable single part gray epoxy coating
Dual pane low-E horizontal sliding windows with screens and miniblinds
18 Gauge steel polystyrene core 3-hour fire rated personnel door
All of our workspaces are manufactured in-house and arrive new or restored to factory specifications
Exterior load center operating on 100 Amp single phase 230 Volt power
Light switch, receptacles and 4' light fixtures; all wiring is Romex 12/2
CAT-6 voice and data lines with electrical junction box
HVAC units ranging from 1 ton to 2 ton on rentals; ability to customize up to 10 tons of cooling

Having flexible storage containers options is important, but security is crucial to protect your peace of mind and your possessions.

At Southwest Mobile Storage, we don't believe in leaving things to chance. We want you to rest easy knowing your inventory, documents, tools, equipment and other items are safe 24/7. That is why we equip SMS high-security slide bolt locking systems and lockboxes on our entire fleet of rental freight containers.

EVERY ONE OF OUR MOBILE STORAGE CONTAINERS FOR RENT IN Norwaik, CA, INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SAFETY MEASURES:

High-security slide-bolt locking system and extra-long lock box, giving you twice the security and peace of mind.
No holes to ensure your rental shipping container is wind and water-tight.
No rust for your safety.
14-gauge corrugated steel for strength and reinforcement.

Contact us to speak with a helpful, friendly representative to better understand our full range of capabilities. We are happy to answer any questions you have, go over pricing and set up a time and place to deliver your Conex box. Our quotes are 100% free and you are under no obligation to pay for your consultation.

COMMERCIAL STORAGE CONTAINERS TO RENT, BUY OR MODIFY IN Norwaik, CA

When you own a business or manage one, it's crucial to have efficient, affordable ways to store inventory and supplies, whether it's to grow your business or adapt to changes in the market, like the many caused by the pandemic.

Renting storage containers to keep at your business eliminates the cost and hassles of sending your staff to offsite storage facilities. Steel containers with roll up doors make storing and retrieving items faster and easier. Auto repair shops and other businesses that need easy access throughout the workday to secure storage for tools, parts, equipment or supplies find renting shipping containers to be the best solution for their business storage needs. Southwest Mobile Storage has your back.

 Storage Containers For Rent Norwaik, CA

Renting portable offices gives your business more workspace, breakrooms, pop up stores, security booths and more, without the cost and red tape associated with constructing building additions. Plus, a steel storage container fits neatly into one parking space and provides much stronger security than Pods and way more convenience than self-storage units.

If you have a specific need, we can modify shipping containers to build whatever you need to grow your business. Whether it's a portable workspace to run your business, like a pop-up container bar, or a durable facility for scientific research, like a container laboratory, or even a container gym, our unrivaled fabrication facility and modification experts got you covered. Our full-time, in-house staff of certified welders, engineers, electricians, carpenters and painters have over 500 years combined experience modifying thousands of container projects for just about any business use you can imagine.

WHETHER YOUR BUSINESS IS COMMERCIAL, HEALTHCARE, GOVERNMENT OR EDUCATION, OR YOUR INTEREST IS TO RENT, BUY OR MODIFY SHIPPING CONTAINERS, SMS HAS YOU COVERED:

One
Offsite storage alternatives cause a mess of hassles and headaches. Expanding office space and storage capacity at your location saves time, money and hassle of making multiple trips offsite.
We offer more choice in security, size and features in steel Conex boxes or ISO shipping containers than a public storage unit or Pod for less cost and far greater service.
We offer flexible, month-to-month rental agreements and prorate by the day after your first 28-day billing cycle.
With us, you get a dedicated account manager you can rely on, so you can focus on running your business than waste time with a different person every time you call that doesn't know or care as much.
While other companies may have some staff for modifying containers, most outsource the work, so you don't know who is actually doing the modifications or how much they're marking up the price.
 Mobile Storage Containers Norwaik, CA
When you modify a shipping container for your business, you won't have to worry about expensive, lengthy and complicated construction.
We have modified thousands of containers nationwide and internationally for more than 25 years for NASA, US Navy, GCP Applied Technologies, Helix and Sundt to name a few. And rent containers to Amazon, Walmart and many of other nationally recognized brands.
Our extensive staff makes it possible to custom build multiple projects simultaneously and our 90,000 sq ft indoor fabrication facility prevents contaminants from interfering with fabrication, which delivers better quality and precision.

HERE'S WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE US TO RENT, BUY OR MODIFY A SHIPPING CONTAINER FOR YOUR HOME:

With an extensive in-house staff and 90,000 sq ft container modification facility, we're able to deliver consistently high quality and work on multiple projects simultaneously for a fast turnaround.

Other companies don't have the facility, staff or resources to modify shipping containers and will outsource the work to various shops who may not have the special experience or tools needed to modify the right way.

You can rest assured knowing your custom container is safe in our hands. Our certified weld and quality control inspectors ensure everything is structurally sound and built to your specifications through every step of the process.

Renting a moving container from us makes your move much less stressful because you won't have to rush to pack your whole house into a moving truck in one day. Instead, you can take your time packing over the course of a month.

Our ISO shipping containers are weatherproof and come with vault-like security, so you don't have to worry about theft or damage to your belongings.

You won't get that level of security from U-Haul or other moving truck companies.

Renting a storage container at your home keeps your belongings close and gives you convenient 24/7 access, so you're always able to retrieve the contents of your container when you need to.

We know move in and move out dates don't always line up. We can store your packed rental container at our secure facility until your new home is ready.

With our mobile storage containers for rent in Norwaik, CA, you can save up to 40% when compared to full-service long-distance movers, while gaining more flexibility in your schedule.

MOBILE STORAGE CONTAINERS & PORTABLE OFFICES TO RENT, BUY OR MODIFY IN Norwaik, CA

We know your needs may change suddenly. With our extensive inventory and variety of sizes of portable offices and shipping containers to rent, buy or modify in Norwaik, CA, we provide fast service and the best value possible so it's easy for you to get whatever you need when you need it.

Renting storage containers and portable offices from us gives you more flexibility when it comes to your schedule and options. If you don't have enough space at your current location or simply would prefer offsite storage, you can keep your rental storage and office containers at your location or ours - whichever is most convenient for you. You also get more options to choose from when it comes to size and features, like portable offices with divided rooms for private meetings or office/storage combos for storage and office space in one container. All while costing a fraction of the price of a pod or self-storage facility.

You can also buy new or used freight containers from us and choose from a variety of add-ons, including lights, electricity, doors and windows. Or fully customize a shipping container to save time, money and energy by skipping the expensive, lengthy process of constructing building additions. We can modify a Conex box into whatever you can imagine for any use you need, from construction tool cribs to office buildings, monitoring stations, mobile communication towers and much more. The possibilities are endless.

HERE'S HOW WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK:

You'll never face hidden fees or surprises with us. We give you transparent billing up front at the best prices.

With us, you get a reliable, dedicated point of contact, who keeps you updated every step of the way. You can rest assured knowing you'll always get what you need, when you need it.

No other company has the breadth and depth of staff and experience that we do when it comes to modifying shipping containers. Our certified welders, engineers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and painters have more than 500 years of combined experience in fabricating custom steel containers.

We prorate your rent by the day after the first 28-day billing cycle, so you don't have to pay for a full month when you only have your mobile containers and offices for a few days.

While other companies may be able to do small container modifications, most don't have an in-house fabrication staff or 90,000 sq ft fabrication facility like we do. As a result, they outsource the work on your custom container, so you don't know who's actually building it.

Rest assured knowing your modified shipping container will be built to the highest quality standards. Our certified weld and quality control inspectors check every step of the fabrication process to ensure everything is structurally sound and built to your specifications.

HOW RENTING A STORAGE CONTAINER AND MOBILE OFFICE WORKS

Whether you're in need of a storage container for your commercial business, a portable office for your construction site, or a moving container for your home, our process is simple and straightforward.

Choose Your Container

Choose the mobile storage solution that works best for your needs. In this step, you will let us know the number of containers you need, their sizes and what types of doors to equip.

Choose Your Options

Let us know if you would like to add any of our rental options, like a folding table or shelving.

Choose Your Security

Choose from padlocks, puck locks and other enhanced security options. All of our storage containers come standard with dual-locking, vault-like security.

Choose Your Delivery Timeframe

You can expect standard delivery within 3-5 days of your order. If you need expedited delivery, we will do everything in our power to accommodate your needs.

Pick-Up Planning

Do you need to keep your shipping container at our location? Prefer to have our team deliver your packed container to a location of your choice? Let us know, and we'll be by your side to work out the logistics.

HOW RENTING A STORAGE CONTAINER AND MOBILE OFFICE WORKS

1

DETERMINE DESTINATION

Let our team know where we should deliver your mobile storage container for rent in Norwaik, CA. Be sure to let us know if there are any special conditions that might prevent our drivers from entering your chosen destination. Before you schedule your delivery, let us know which direction you would like the doors of your container to face.

2

SCHEDULE DATE & TIME

Our drivers can deliver your storage container Monday-Friday, between the hours of 6AM and 2PM local time. Our two-hour delivery window is the most precise in the industry. If you desire another delivery time outside of our standard delivery options, we will do our best to accommodate your needs. As a courtesy, our driver will call you at least 30 minutes before they arrive at your drop-off destination.

3

PREPARE FOR YOUR MOBILE STORAGE CONTAINER DELIVERY

Before we deliver your Conex box, prepare your delivery area by ensuring that there are no low overhangs, arches, wires, trees or any other obstacles that could interfere with your delivery. It's a good idea to mark the space where you would like your steel container placed.

4

DELIVERY & SETUP

When our driver arrives, they will back our truck into the space where you would like your shipping container placed. Once we arrive, we will ensure that your container is delivered safely and securely. If placed on asphalt or pavement, we will use wood dunnage pads to make sure your ground surface is protected and the container is level.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MOBILE CONTAINERS TO Rent, Buy OR Modify IN Norwaik, CA?

Check out our FAQ page or reach out to our helpful customer service team today @

Latest News in Norwaik, CA

Los Angeles County Could Buy Norwalk Motel 6 to House Homeless for Project Homekey

Los Angeles County Could Buy Norwalk Motel 6 to House Homeless for Project HomekeyNorwalk, CA – For the third time in six months the State of California and Los Angeles County have targeted the City of Norwalk with its “emergency powers” in an attempt to respond to the challenges created by the COVID-19 virus.In April, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Samantha Jessner issued a temporary restraining order against the City of Norwalk ruling that “the interests of the county in imple...

Los Angeles County Could Buy Norwalk Motel 6 to House Homeless for Project Homekey

Norwalk, CA – For the third time in six months the State of California and Los Angeles County have targeted the City of Norwalk with its “emergency powers” in an attempt to respond to the challenges created by the COVID-19 virus.

In April, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Samantha Jessner issued a temporary restraining order against the City of Norwalk ruling that “the interests of the county in implementing a state order under Project Roomkey to safely house the homeless during the pandemic outweighed any harm the city could suffer.” Recently, the Department of State Hospitals informed Norwalk residents of its intent to renovate and possibly house COVID-19 negative patients at the California Youth Authority (CYA) facility. Now the county has informed city officials of its intent to purchase the local Motel 6 as part of Project Homekey, a state program providing interim and permanent housing and support services to persons experiencing homelessness who are impacted by COVID-19.

The Motel 6 is located on the corner of Pioneer and Imperial at 11734 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650.

“Unfortunately, the City of Norwalk has no legal recourse in this matter,” stated Mayor Jennifer Perez. “During these unprecedented times, the state has exercised its ‘emergency powers’ and has essentially disenfranchised a community that wants input on important decisions affecting the city.”

In a letter from Los Angeles County Chief Executive Office dated September 1, 2020, the county outlined that “Project Homekey sites receiving funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund are exempt from local permitting requirements.” Plans by the county are to use the facility and its 56 rooms as an interim shelter within 90-days of purchase, and then convert to permanent housing by FY2022-2023. They have indicated that “per the state’s grant requirements, the property will have a covenant restricting the use and Target Population for 55 years.”

City officials have clearly indicated that the city of Norwalk is a willing participant in doing its fair share in its fight against homelessness. However, the added strain on city services placed on the city by the state and county, along with failure to allow input by the city and residents cannot continue to go unaddressed.

Efforts to bring this matter to the attention of the county were made in a letter to the County of Los Angeles, dated September 23, 2020. Therein, Mayor Perez outlined the “significant negative general fund impacts that the acquisition and utilization of this property for use as interim and permanent supportive housing would cause to the city of Norwalk.” Estimates provided by the city show a loss of “$140,000 in transient occupancy tax and $15,500 in property tax annually.” City officials would like the county to reconsider the purchase given the added financial strain on city revenue and the violation of the city’s adopted General Plan Use designation and zoning ordinance.

Although expressing frustration due to lack of input on these matters, city officials have indicated they embrace Governor Newsom’s desire to collaborate with local governments during this pandemic when he stated, “localism is determinative.” The city is seeking results and hopes the state will work directly with the city as Newsom himself recently said, the “State of California has a responsibility to support cities and counties” in its fight against homelessness.

The city has invested into a half-million-dollar program that has been credited with the sudden decrease of homeless residents in the city. In 2017, the city counted 317 homeless individuals on the streets of Norwalk as part of the Los Angeles County Homeless Service Authority official count. Since then, that number has decreased reaching a low of 168 at the beginning of this year.

“The city has proven it knows how to deal with its homelessness problem. We just want the state and county to provide us directly with the tools necessary to continue the fight,” added Perez.

The City of Norwalk expects further dialogue with county officials in hopes of working together to ensure that the state and county address their concerns.

State Says It Will Renovate the California Youth Authority in Norwalk for Non-COVID Patients

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Discover the Best Beaches Near Norwalk, California for Your Next Sunny Getaway

Looking for a sunny getaway without having to go too far from Norwalk, California? You're in luck! There are plenty of beaches within driving distance that are worth checking out. From the closest to the farthest, we've got you covered with all the information you need to plan your next beach day.First on our list is Seal Beach, located just 10 miles from Norwalk. This beach boasts a charming small-town feel and a long wooden pier perfect for fishing or a leisurely stroll. Parking is available near the pier and there are plenty of res...

Looking for a sunny getaway without having to go too far from Norwalk, California? You're in luck! There are plenty of beaches within driving distance that are worth checking out. From the closest to the farthest, we've got you covered with all the information you need to plan your next beach day.

First on our list is Seal Beach, located just 10 miles from Norwalk. This beach boasts a charming small-town feel and a long wooden pier perfect for fishing or a leisurely stroll. Parking is available near the pier and there are plenty of restaurants and shops within walking distance.

Just a bit farther down the coast, about 15 miles from Norwalk, is Long Beach. This beach is well-known for its wide stretch of sand and abundance of activities. You can take a bike ride along the beach path, visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, or take a tour of the historic Queen Mary. There are plenty of parking options, both paid and free, and lots of restaurants and shops nearby.

Traveling 25 miles from Norwalk will take you to Huntington Beach, a.k.a. "Surf City USA." As the name suggests, this beach is a prime destination for surfers, but it's also great for sunbathing, swimming, and beach volleyball. There's a paved beach path for biking or walking, and plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. Parking is available, but can be a bit tricky during peak season.

A little farther down the coast, about 30 miles from Norwalk, is Newport Beach. This beach is known for its upscale vibe, with high-end restaurants and shops lining the nearby streets. It's a great spot for surfing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. Parking can be challenging during peak season, but there are a few lots available.

Last but not least, Laguna Beach is about 40 miles from Norwalk. This beach is unique in that it's set against a backdrop of stunning cliffs and rock formations. It's also known for its vibrant arts scene, with plenty of galleries and public art installations. Parking is limited and can be pricey, but the stunning views and charming town make it well worth the trip.

No matter which beach you choose, you're sure to have a great time soaking up the sun and enjoying all the California coast has to offer.

In conclusion, there are plenty of beaches near Norwalk, California that are worth exploring. From Seal Beach to Laguna Beach, each beach offers its own unique highlights and activities. Be sure to plan ahead for parking and bring all the beach essentials, like sunscreen and plenty of water. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a bustling beach town, there's something for everyone within driving distance.

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Norwalk, California: Discover the Benefits of Living in this Vibrant City

Norwalk, California, is a city located in Los Angeles County, with a population of around 106,000 residents. This city has a diverse community, with a rich history and plenty of opportunities for entertainment and leisure activities. Whether you are planning to move to Norwalk or just visit, here are some of the benefits of living in this vibrant city.Parks and Recreational ActivitiesNorwalk has a variety of parks where residents can enjoy outdoor activities, sports, and picnics. For instance, the Norwalk Arts & Sports Co...

Norwalk, California, is a city located in Los Angeles County, with a population of around 106,000 residents. This city has a diverse community, with a rich history and plenty of opportunities for entertainment and leisure activities. Whether you are planning to move to Norwalk or just visit, here are some of the benefits of living in this vibrant city.

Parks and Recreational Activities

Norwalk has a variety of parks where residents can enjoy outdoor activities, sports, and picnics. For instance, the Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex is a great place to engage in sports activities such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. The complex has a fitness center, a skate park, and an indoor pool where residents can swim and take swimming classes.

In addition, Norwalk has a beautiful park called the Norwalk Town Square, where residents can enjoy a relaxing time. The park has a gazebo, benches, and a playground for children. There are also regular events and concerts held in the park, such as the Norwalk Concerts in the Park series.

Shopping and Dining

Norwalk has a wide variety of shopping and dining options to suit every taste and budget. The Norwalk Town Square Mall is a popular destination for shopping, with stores such as Target, Ross, and T.J. Maxx. There are also several local shops, such as the Norwalk Farmers Market, where residents can purchase fresh produce, flowers, and other goods.

For dining, Norwalk has a range of options, from fast food chains to local restaurants. One local favorite is El Chato Taco Truck, which serves authentic Mexican food. Another popular restaurant is the Norwalk Deli, which offers delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups.

Arts and Culture

Norwalk has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its various art and cultural activities. The Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex, for instance, hosts regular art exhibitions and workshops. The center also has a theater where residents can watch movies and performances.

Moreover, the Norwalk Cultural Arts Center is another great place to explore the arts and culture of the city. The center offers classes in dance, music, and theater. There are also regular art shows and performances held in the center.

Education and Career Opportunities

Norwalk has several excellent schools, both public and private, for students of all ages. The city is served by the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District, which has several high-performing schools, such as Norwalk High School and John Glenn High School. There are also several private schools, such as St. John of God School and St. Linus School.

Furthermore, Norwalk has a thriving business community, with plenty of opportunities for career growth and development. The city is home to several major companies, such as Cerritos College and the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's Office. There are also several small businesses, such as the Norwalk Printing Company, which provide employment opportunities for residents.

Norwalk, California, is a vibrant and diverse city that offers plenty of opportunities for leisure activities, shopping, dining, arts, and education. With its beautiful parks, excellent schools, and thriving business community, Norwalk is a great place to live or visit. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day in the park or a challenging career, Norwalk has something to offer for everyone.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Norwalk stars as Hollywood’s idea of small-town USA

The Brothers Sproul were a pair of erstwhile Oregonians who’d fallen in love with Southern California during a jaunt through the state. So in 1869, when they heard about land for sale on a recently subdivided rancho, they sprang into action.They bought 463 acres halfway between the Whittier Hills and the Los Angeles River, on the site of a former Native American village 16 miles downstream of the burgeoning metropolis to the north.In 1873, the duo transferred a portion of the ranch to the Southern Pacific railroad, to bui...

The Brothers Sproul were a pair of erstwhile Oregonians who’d fallen in love with Southern California during a jaunt through the state. So in 1869, when they heard about land for sale on a recently subdivided rancho, they sprang into action.

They bought 463 acres halfway between the Whittier Hills and the Los Angeles River, on the site of a former Native American village 16 miles downstream of the burgeoning metropolis to the north.

In 1873, the duo transferred a portion of the ranch to the Southern Pacific railroad, to build a branch line that would connect Los Angeles with Anaheim. As part of the deal, the brothers secured an agreement from the railroad that it would create a stop on their land.

The resulting depot became the center of a small village located in an area of the ranch called “North-walk,” a place name that was shortened to Norwalk in 1877. Front Street was established as the central thoroughfare for the burg, which initially attracted those who were looking for a rural, small-town lifestyle.

Whereas other Southern California towns built their industrial bases through oil extraction and refining, railroading or heavy manufacturing, Norwalk’s first factory, which opened in 1882, turned out cheese. The town built on this initial investment to become a center of dairy production, with the local economy also being supplemented by sugar-beet fields.

In 1886, would-be ostrich magnate Edwin Cawston opened the first permutation of his famous flightless bird farm and tourist attraction in Norwalk. Success eluded him there, and in 1895, he moved the operation to South Pasadena, where it became an instant hit.

The state of California gave Norwalk a boost in 1913, when it opened the 300-acre Metropolitan State Hospital, which specialized in the treatment of mental illness. The hospital, which was originally a self-supporting farm, is still in operation in the city and remains a major employer.

Despite a one-two punch from Mother Nature in the 1930s, when the Long Beach earthquake and a devastating flood struck the town, Norwalk continued its development and began to take on a more suburban character, especially in the wake of World War II.

Returning GIs and their families flocked to suburbs such as Norwalk, and the car-centric culture of the era is reflected in the Norwalk Town Square shopping center, with its large parking lot dominated by a landmark neon sign.

Main Street, U.S.A.: Norwalk’s historic Front Street, with buildings that date as far back as the 1800s, often plays small towns in Hollywood productions.

Commuting options: Freeways, a Metrolink stop and the upcoming interlining of the Green and Crenshaw Lines (which will give riders a one-seat trip to the Expo Line) make Norwalk a great choice for commuters.

Midcentury SoCal: The Norwalk Town Square with its neon tower sign ranks among many architectural landmarks in the city.

Breathing uneasy: The freeways, manufacturing and transportation centers that surround Norwalk can contribute to unhealthy air conditions during summer months.

Edith Villa of Century 21 Realty Masters said Norwalk draws those seeking more bang for their buck compared with surrounding areas.

“Most clients have used Norwalk as a steppingstone area for a few years because of its turnaround value,” Villa said. “This is why home sales have kept steady year after year.”

In addition to a few new residential developments on the southeast side of the city, the local government has kept development steady by offering grants and other incentives for low-income homeowners looking to improve their properties.

In the 90650 ZIP Code, based on 57 sales, the median sales price for single-family homes in November was $495,000, up 8.8% year over year, according to CoreLogic.

All 21 public schools in the Norwalk boundaries scored above 700 on the 2013 Academic Performance Index, and 11 scored above 800. Lakeland Elementary scored the highest at 876, followed by Paddison Elementary and Julia B. Morrison Elementary, which both scored 867.

The area’s two main high schools, John H. Glenn High and Norwalk High, scored 706 and 701, respectively.

Times staff writer Jack Flemming contributed to this report.

Norwalk Will Receive Funding for Mercy Affordable Housing Veteran’s Project

The City of Norwalk will receive $3 million in funding from the State that is earmarked for homelessness and affordable housing for the City.In February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic lockdown, the Norwalk City Council adopted an ordinance that approved a development agreement with Mercy Housing; Mercy has offices all over the country, including three in California. Mercy Housing California (MHC) is the largest regional division of Me...

The City of Norwalk will receive $3 million in funding from the State that is earmarked for homelessness and affordable housing for the City.

In February 2020, just weeks before the pandemic lockdown, the Norwalk City Council adopted an ordinance that approved a development agreement with Mercy Housing; Mercy has offices all over the country, including three in California. Mercy Housing California (MHC) is the largest regional division of Mercy Housing, Inc., with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento. MHC has developed and operates 134 affordable communities with more than 9,190 homes serving lower-income seniors, families, and people who have experienced homelessness.

The development agreement was in conjunction with a project that includes constructing a four-story, 60-unit affordable residential apartments that will provide much-needed affordable housing for veterans and their families, including supportive services located at 13629-13705 San Antonio Drive and 11950 Foster Road.

13629 SAN ANTONIO DR., NORWALK. THE FOSTER RD. PROJECT IS IMMEDIATELY NEXT TO THE SAN ANTONIO PROJECT.

During the last meeting, the City Council voted to receive state funds in the amount of $3 million; the money will be utilized for the Mercy Housing Veteran’s Affordable Housing Project.

Governor Newsom’s 2021 budget included a $3 million earmarked for homelessness and affordable housing for the City of Norwalk.

One property Mercy developed and now manages in L.A. County is the Baldwin Rose Apartments in El Monte. The property has 54 affordable housing units, including 22 units for homeless veterans and 32 units for low-income families with a Veteran Head of Household. There is also one manager’s unit. The community provides one, two and three-bedroom apartment homes, including 19 accessible apartments for mobility-impaired households and 4 apartments for hearing/visually impaired households.

Mercy also provides case management for Veterans provided by New Directions. New Directions started over 25 years ago and has grown into an organization with a budget in excess of $10 million annually. They have assisted over 1,000 veterans and family members annually.

The residential units will serve extremely low, very low, and low-income households and provide them with quality residential living, which may not otherwise be available to such households. The entire development will be affordable housing to help meet much-needed housing unit goals that have been set by the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) number assigned to the City in the last Housing Element cycle.

Mayor Jennifer Perez stated, “The City has made strategic investments in our efforts to resolve homelessness in our City. The Veteran Housing Project now has the funding necessary to move the project along. We look forward to the City’s partnership with Mercy Housing to serve veterans and their families.”

The Mercy Housing Veteran’s Affordable Housing Project also satisfies the City’s Strategic Plan Goal 2, which is to improve living conditions for residents in greatest need.

Residents interested in obtaining more information can email publicaffairs@norwalkca.gov or call (562) 929-5319.

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