A frequent saying at Progressive Real Estate Partners is “sharing is caring.” Although I typically write about economic conditions facing Inland Southern California, specific retailers, or ideas that can help shopping center owners this blog is more about sharing something I came across that I think will be of interest to many readers.
As a commercial real estate professional based in California, I’ve always been fascinated by the stories behind the places where we work, invest and drive by every day. That’s why I’m a huge fan of Arcadia Publishing, a company dedicated to preserving local history through an extensive collection of books that spotlight cities, industries, and unique aspects of life.
Please note I’m not affiliated with Arcadia Publishing and don’t receive any compensation if you purchase a book, but I genuinely believe these books are a great resource for anyone who is passionate about real estate history and I love to support these types of unique businesses. And if you’re a first-time buyer or purchasing multiple books, you might even find some discounts available.
They list over 20,000 books on their website and cover just about every region of the country. For California alone there are over 1,500 titles related to the state.
Arcadia Publishing specializes in hyper-local city histories. In Southern California, they have books specifically about the evolution of Pasadena, Santa Ana, Riverside, Ventura, Redlands, Fullerton, Palm Springs, San Luis Obispo, Long Beach, Santa Barbara, Orange, San Diego, Claremont, Ontario, Temecula, and many more.
On their website, there is an easy search feature whereby you can type in a city or region that interests you. These books provide a fascinating look into how each city has developed over the years. The books are frequently less than 150 pages and contain many historical photos (I love historical building photos) and generally run $24.95.
Beyond city histories, Arcadia Publishing offers books on unique and often nostalgic topics. If you’ve ever wondered about the heyday of drive-in theaters, the legacy of old gas stations, or the rise and fall of iconic raceways like Riverside International Raceway or Ontario Motor Speedway, there’s a book for that. Other titles cover Southern California’s legendary movie palaces, historic amusement parks, and forgotten roadside attractions. Arcadia even delves into the history of local retail giants, classic motels, and storied diners from decades past.
For those interested in industry-specific history, Arcadia has published books on the evolution of California’s avocado industry, the rise of wineries in Napa and Temecula, and the economic impact of Hollywood on the state’s development. These books aren’t just about history—they offer valuable insights into the trends that shaped the real estate, business, and land use across the region.
And then there are the truly unique books—titles that explore the unexpected corners of California’s past. A History of Alcatraz sheds light on the infamous island prison, Haunted Southern California uncovers the eerie side of the state’s landmarks, and other books dive into subjects like California’s lost amusement parks, vanished landmarks, and legendary disasters.
If you’re a history buff or just curious about the places around you, Arcadia Publishing is worth checking out. You can browse their collection at www.arcadiapublishing.com.
Happy Reading!