Historical society asks board to designate Abraham Lincoln School block as city landmark

Michael Town (representing the Paramount Historical Society) told the board the campus surrounding Abraham Lincoln School — a cluster of structures including an 1889 three‑story building and other Works Progress Administration era buildings — is the most historic complex in Paramount and merits designation as a city historic landmark.

"This is the only school in Southern California that was named as such," Michael Town said, arguing that parts of the campus date back more than 100 years and that the full block (Clearwater, Lincoln, Los Cerritos School area) preserves the city’s educational heritage. He asked the board to start the process of naming the entire block as a city historic landmark and indicated the Historical Society would follow up with the school board.

Rebecca Guillen joined Town in support and urged the board to consider the broader preservation benefits, including protecting architectural features and celebrating the district’s long history of special‑education programs and early inclusive services.

Why it matters: Historic designation could affect future renovation, maintenance plans, and eligibility for preservation grants. Proponents said the designation would recognize the campus’s architectural and civic role and help conserve structures that date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

What’s next: The Historical Society requested district follow‑up; no formal action or vote on landmark designation appeared on the Nov. 12 agenda. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10 where staff or board members could place a recommendation for future consideration.

Attribution: Quotations and claims in this story are attributed to Michael Town and Rebecca Guillen as presented during public comment.