Reliving Depot Days in Torrance

Reader Alex writes in to show some love for Torrance's The Depot restaurant, built inside a former Pacific Electric depot station (above, a photo from 1913). Some detail from Torrance's web site:

Pacific Electric Railway Station: The Depot, Built 1912, designed by Irving Gill, architect. This Depot was part of "The World's Greatest Interurban," the Pacific Electric Railway System. Pacific Electric tracks Crisscrossed the southland carrying passengers and freight on the famous red cars for over three decades. The Pacific Electric main repair shops were located nearby. Depot functions ceased in 1981 under the ownership of Southern Pacific Transportation Company.

Alex adds:

In the south bay city of Torrance, you can still see the oldest surviving Pacific Electric trolley station and depot. Built in 1912 on the southeast corner of Torrance Blvd. and Cabrillo Ave., it has been restored to its original charm and beauty, and is now an upscale restaurant called, of course, "The Depot."

The old original P.E. tracks cross Torrance Blvd. westbound down Sartori Ave.to an aluminum factory, and are still in use today by a little old freight train that trundles through a little old, quaint neighborhood. The red car barns and repair shops are long gone, but this last remnant of Los Angeles history still exists !!

And if you're lucky enough to be dining at the depot at the right time, you'll hear and see the little freight train rumble by. Definitely a must see for L.A. rail history buffs.

Thanks for allowing me to share, Alex Flores

P.S. I'd love to hear of any old trolley tracks visible elsewhere in the L.A. area.

Look no further than downtown, particularly around Alameda, where old tracks are all over the place. And until a few years ago, you could still find tracks on the Santa Monica Blvd. median in West Hollywood, until the boulevard was completely redone. I know I've seen tons of others through the years (and I know several of you can help Alex as well). Where else can you find phantom trolley tracks?

Update: Coincidentally, the LA City Nerd just put together a fantastic post about the lasting legacy of the Red Cars' right-of-ways. Check out the comments in that post, as well, for some fascinating pointers on how you can spot where the Red Cars once ran.