By the 1930s, Sawtelle had become a desired location for Japanese immigrants attracted by the opportunity to work independently as a gardener or open a nursery and join a fast-growing community on Los Angeles' Westside. The community grew by 1941 to include 5 churches, 4 hotels, 2 boarding houses, 21 nurseries, 5 florists, 8 gas stations, 4 barbers, and over 15 stores, primarily located on Sawtelle Blvd. As a joint effort by community members, the Sawtelle Gakuin was dedicated in 1929, and continues to offer Japanese language classes. The historic site at 2110 Corinth Ave, now known as the WLA Japanese American Community Center, offers cultural and martial arts, senior lunch, and community programs.