City of Commerce - The tall marquee for the Firestone Distribution Center has been a local landmark since the 1950's.
Firestone Distribution Center
City of Commerce, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Tires were the business behind the big Firestone Distribution Center marquee in Commerce. This was part of the supply side of Southern California’s automotive world, where tires were stored and shipped onward to dealers. Before a fresh set reached the neighborhood shop, there was warehouse work to be done.
The large industrial property was a reminder that keeping Southern California on wheels required more than service bays and gas pumps. Deliveries, storage, and distribution all had a place in the story. Firestone’s familiar name connected this working facility with the tire shops motorists knew along the boulevards.
Out front, the tall marquee made sure the business had a presence above the traffic. Check out the lettering on this local landmark, which had been part of the Commerce landscape since the 1950s. The building handled the tires, while the sign handled the introduction.
Firestone Building
City of Commerce, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Together, the warehouse and marquee gave the property an identity that lasted for decades. It wasn’t a roadside attraction built to draw vacationers, but it certainly offered something for anyone keeping an eye out for old signs and buildings. Even the industrial stretches had their share of roadside treasures.
Unfortunately, the distribution center eventually disappeared. The marquee was taken down, and the building was demolished as well. Rumors in 2004 suggested a major discount store might be interested in the land, yet by early 2008 the property was still dirt. Quite a change from a working tire-distribution site to an empty lot waiting for its next use.
UPDATE: Well, no longer. The Firestone marquee at this site was taken down,
signaling the demise of the rest of this landmark location.
Rumors were in 2004 that a major discount store may be eyeing this property. Yet by early 2008, the lot was still dirt. Many thanks to Adriene Biondo for alerting RoadsidePeek to this updated
news. 04-04
UPDATE: The Firestone marquee had been removed by the April 2004 report, and the rest of the landmark location was subsequently demolished. The cleared lot remained undeveloped into early 2008 despite the earlier retail rumors. Both the tire business and its familiar roadside welcome were gone, adding another industrial landmark to the growing list of lost treasures. Justman Packaging and Display has been on this site since 2022. 10-26
Firestone Distribution Center
Firestone Building
