Janss Investment Company gave a banquet to honor HJ Whitley for his management of the development of the San Fernando Valley.  In 1909 the Suburban Homes Company, a syndicate led by HJ Whitley, general manager of the Board of Control, along with Harry Chandler, H. G. Otis, M. H. Sherman and O. F. Brandt purchased 48,000 acres of the Farming and Milling Company for $2,500,000. On April 2, 1915 H. J. Whitley purchased the Suburban Home Company so that he would have complete control for finishing the development.