New 'Anaheim Resort' Area Emerges as a No-Past Zone
Refurbished, Understated Harbor Boulevard Puts Away Its Quirky History

Los Angeles Times, Oct. 2, 1998

(Excerpts only)

The future doesn't look much like it used to along Harbor Boulevard in Anaheim.
Gone are most of the flashing neon and oversized caricatures that once marked the whimsical--some would say tacky--look of the commercial district at Disneyland's doorstep.
More than a year into the city's $500-million make-over, understatement marks the new tomorrow.

..."This was a developer's version of a Wild West town," said Anaheim spokesman Bret Colson. "We've tried to clean up a lot of the visual clutter."

The impetus for change was Disney's plans to open a second theme park adjacent to Disneyland. ...In October 1996, the city of Anaheim approved a 40% increase in the convention center and more than $500 million in infrastructure and cosmetic improvements in the area.

The multi-billion dollar public-private plans gave teeth to an effort in Anaheim to get rid of the space-age architecture that once dominated the district. The city has offered businesses financial assistance to replace the old signs, many of which shouted for the attention of passersby on their way to Disneyland.

Now, low-to-the-ground placards practically whisper at passing motorists. With matching columns decorated with the resort's orange poppy logo, the signs are subtle--some would say dull...

"It's hideous what they've done," said Chris Nichols, a member of the L.A. Conservancy, an architectural preservation group. "It's just cookie cutter."

Not long ago, he pulled up to the old Eden Roc Motel and found no trace of the establishment's sign, a Las Vegas-style extravaganza of lights and "Jetson"-like curves.

"It took me 25 minutes to recover," he said...