The College Heights Orange and Lemon Association opened its Packing House in the City of Claremont, California in 1922. The Packing House quickly became an economic centerpiece within the community. Sadly, it closed in 1972, a victim of the rampant suburbanization of Southern California.
The building was subsequently purchased by the City of Claremont with the intent of preserving this icon of local history. The City then sold the property to developer Jerry Tessier, who embarked on an ambitious plan to preserve the historic features of the building and restore it as a centerpiece of the community.
In 2004, Tessier invited photographer Matt Artz to document the existing state of the Claremont Packing House before restoration began. This collection of photographs captures the stark, desolate beauty of a true diamond in the rough.
The restored Packing House opened for business in 2007, and a selection of Artz's photographs are on permanent display there.
