Los Angeles Historic Buildings L-Z

HISTORIC LOS ANGELES BUILDINGS L-Z

This is a continuation of my historic building page

Los Altos Apartments (Do not disturb residents), 4121 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA (Edward B. Rust 1925)	Beautiful Spanish revival apartments with Moorish and Italianate influences. This may have been built by William Randolph Hearst (although there is some dispute about that). He definitely did live here from time to time with Marion Davies. This was one of the first condominium type apartments in Los Angeles. Perino's was right next door. No sign of "Rosebud" anywhere.
Los Angeles City Hall, 200 N. Spring St. (Albert Martin Sr., John and Donald Parkinson, and John C. Austin Interior by Austin Whittlesey - April 25, 1928 - a hodgepodge of styles including classical, Romanesque, Beaux Arts)	The ultimate symbol of Los Angeles. It always gives me a good feeling inside to see it. Built at a cost of four million dollars. The only building originally allowed to exceed the now defunct 13 story (150 ft) height limit for buildings for some 50 years (it has 28 stories). It was supposedly highly influenced by the Nebraska State Capitol, which also is sort of a skyscraper sandwiched between a base. It can be seen in the old Dragnet shows (on the badge) and it served as the Daily Planet in the old Superman TV series. Seen repeatedly in that great old film noir "Criss Cross" and more recently in the movie, the Black Dahlia. It was damaged in the Northridge earthquake, but later completely restored.
Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles Public Library 630 West Fifth Street - (213)228-7000 (Bertram Goodhue 1925 or 1926 Roman, Byzantine, Egyptian and Islamic architectural styles)	This is a excellent place to research Los Angeles history, although the bathrooms can be an unpleasant adventure (even the down and out need some place to go - perhaps the City of Los Angeles should develop better places to serve their needs). They also have an extensive website with data bases that anyone can access (including a menu collection). Even if you are just visiting Los Angeles, stop in and get a visitor's library card, so that you can use a more extensive collection of data bases on the website. Residents of the area get access to the full data base collection on the site. Fantastic book store on the premises, with lots of books on Los Angeles history and nostalgia. There are even restaurants in the building. Much of the original interior was destroyed in a fire in 1986 and subsequent remodeling (but some original elements remain).
Lovell Health House, 4616 Dundee Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (Private residence, do not disturb residents in any way, trespass, etc. - treat it like anyone else's home!)	Designed by famed architect Richard Neutra, this is an early example of Modernist architecture. It is perhaps best known as the residence of Pierce Pachett in the movie LA Confidential. Don't try getting up here in a Hummer - it's an extremely narrow street.
Malibu Pier, Malibu, CA	Don't have any history on this for you today. When I quit being lazy I'll do the research. I remember seeing this in a film noir flick. Can someone remind me what it was? I can't decide which is nicer - Malibu or Laguna Beach. Guess I'll have to buy a mansion in both cities! Not likely.
Max Factor Building/The Hollywood History Museum (1931 remodel by S. Charles Lee - Regency Moderne), 1666 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood, California	Max Factor (born in Russia and immigrated 1904), movie makeup inventor and genius made this beautiful art deco building the home of his makeup empire in the 1930s. It is now the Hollywood History Museum, a great place to visit for anyone even vaguely interested in the history of the movies. Also has a prodigious collection of photos of the history of "the City" of Hollywood (for those of you not living in Los Angeles, Hollywood was only briefly a true city until it was incorporated early on into the City of Los Angeles). The lobby was used in the movie "The Two Jakes", a much better film than the critics gave it credit for (Harvey Keitel should have gotten the best supporting actor Oscar for his role in this film).
The Miracle Mile (from Fairfax to La Brea) Dominguez Wilshire Building, Morgan, Walls, and Clement 1930 (originally Myer Siegel Dept. Store). El Rey Theater (formerly movies, now a music venue) - 1928 - W. Cliff Balch Wilshire Tower Building, 5500 Wilshire Blvd. - 1928-1929 (Gilbert Stanley Underwood) - Originally Desmond's clothing store and Silverwood's. Silverwood's was the favorite clothes store for the dapper Mickey Cohen. The May Company, 6067 Wilshire (now LACMA museum) - 1940 Albert C. Martin and S.A. Marx Sontag Drug Store (now Wilshire Beauty Supply- streamline moderne - Norstrom and Anderson -1935 ) Originally contained a soda fountain and grill and coffee shop. One of the largest drug stores in America when constructed. E. Clem Wilson Building, 5217 Wilshire Blvd. - Meyer and Holler - 1930 (the sign which damages the architectural effect may change advertiser, but it's been there for a long time). Originally J.J. Newberry Variety Store. There is a nice shot of this building in the 1944 movie Charlie Chan Meeting at Midnight (without the ugly sign on the top). The Darkroom - 5370 Wilshire formerly a programmatic Camera shop in the shape of a camera (is that redundant?). Marcus P. Miller - 1938.	Early commercial development by the great A.W. Ross, who had the foresight to see that parking problems downtown would shift business to the "suburbs". This was one of the first commercial shopping areas to cater to the automobile with parking and entrances in the rear of the stores. Built at the height of the Art Deco craze - there are many Art Deco gems here. They are calling the shopping area in the Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas "the Miracle Mile" - rip off! Collection of Daniel Sullivan
Montecito Apartments (Marcus Miller - 1931 - zig zag art deco ), 6650 Franklin Ave. Hollywood (Do not enter or disturb residents!)	One of the most classically beautiful and mysterious art deco apartments in Los Angeles. Whether specifically named or not, these apartments were the inspiration for many a noir detective story, including a short story by Raymond Chandler - "The Little Sister" (where it played the role of the Chateau Bercy). Ronald Reagan lived here early in his Hollywood career. Postcard collection of Sandra Z. The Montecito in the forground.
Olvera Street, Downtown Los Angeles The Avila Adobe - the oldest house in Los Angeles. La Golondrina Cafe - T T Interior of La Golondrina Cafe The first Catholic Church - rebuilt after being destroyed in a flood I believe. This was not part of the Mission chain. The Pico House (1870) - once the tallest building in Los Angeles and the most luxurious hotel. It was built by Pio Pico, the governor of California (who was bi-racial Black and Mexican). It now stands peacefully alone, but it was once surrounded by an early dense urban area, much of which was lost when the 101 was built. The original Plaza on Olvera St.	This is where El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora La Reina de Los Angeles de Porciuncula began. It includes the first church (rebuilt), the original plaza (although it moved a few times), remnants of the original water canal, the oldest buildings in Los Angeles and numerous restaurants, stands and stores. Definitely worth seeing. It's hard to imagine Los Angeles as the original dusty wild west Mexican town it once was, but this is your best opportunity. Be sure to check out La Golondrina Cafe with good Mexican food. I believe it dates from the 1920s. There is a ton of history regarding this street and the establishment of the City of Los Angeles, but that goes well beyond the topic of this site (a convenient excuse for being lazy!).
One Bunker Hill Building, 601 W. 5th St. Downtown, Los Angeles, CA (1930-34 Allison & Allison).	Guess this is the only original building left on Bunker Hill. It's an art deco masterpiece. Many people pass it by each day for lunch without poking their heads in to see the jaw dropping incredible marble lobby (yes, I know I need to get a picture of it, but the guard in the lobby looked pretty menacing last time I was there!).
(James) Oviatt Building (Walker and Eisen and Joseph Feil 1927-28), including the restaurant Cicada, 617 S. Olive St., Los Angeles (213) 488-9488	The incredible dream of James Oviatt who fell in love with Art Deco after the 1925 Paris Exposition that created Art Deco. The interior was once a men's store known as Alexander & Oviatt. This (restaurant and Penthouse), along with the interior of the Queen Mary and the Pantages Theater, probably marks the most pristine and authentic Art Deco interiors in the Los Angeles area. The penthouse of the building, which can be rented for parties, is true Art Deco Nirvana. The interior of the Cicada restaurant is also stunningly beautiful Art Deco (I may be damaging my macho image here - but remember - I like Nick's Cafe as well - thank you very much!). Cicada is a very highly reviewed restaurant and site of many movies and commercials (whose crews seem intent on damaging the priceless interior). At a minimum, stop in to get a drink at the bar and marvel at the place. Originally a men's shop and full of Rene Lalique etched glass. A treasure. Near Clifton's Cafeteria, Cole's PE Buffet French Dipped Sandwiches restaurant, Hank's bar, Philippe the Original French Dipped Sandwiches restaurant, the Biltmore Hotel, the Standard Hotel and the Second Street Redwood Saloon (soon to reopen)
The Pasadena Freeway (Hwy 110)	A building you ask? Have you not learned yet that this is a strange, sort of kitchen sink site! Anyway, inaugurated on December of 1940, the Pasadena Freeway is the patriarch of freeways in the West and Los Angeles metro's first. If you thought Los Angeles traffic was a recent phenomena, you may be comforted in knowing that the 110 had it's first unintended parking lot experience three days after it opened due to a mass exodus from the Rose Bowl. About eight miles in length and very winding with short entry ramps. Better hit the gas! As much as I like this freeway, I am always sort of white knuckled when driving it! You've just got to love a city where even the freeways are Art Deco! The tunnels go beneath Elysian Park. By the way - keep your eye on the road!
Terminal Annex Post Office, 900 N. Alameda St. near Union Station, downtown Los Angeles, since 1938.	Don't know much about this place, but it has great 40's style WPA art deco(ish) murals of Los Angeles history. You can visit the lobby on a weekday and walk to Olivera Street as well. Seen briefly in the opening credits of Criss Cross. Interestingly enough Charles Bukowski worked here for a while with the U.S. Post Office (and he truly hated the place and the job). Close to Union Station, Hop Louie's and Philippe's French Dipped Sandwiches restaurant and not too far from Cole's, Clifton's, the Biltmore, the Yorkshire Grill and Hank's bar.
Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 310-435-3511	Despite its tourist trap reputation, the interiors here are some of the best preserved Art Deco around, including a very well preserved bar. This is one of LA metro's least appreciated and underrated attractions in my opinion. If you are into Art Deco - as I am, this is a must see. The tours into the interior are well worth it, to see the abandoned pool and main ball room, among other things. The rooms are very well preserved, and in my experience the claims of being haunted may not be entirely bogus. The Poseidon Adventure (1972) was filmed here, as well as Farewell My Lovely (1975), Treacherous Crossing, and Meet Danny Wilson. Recently, several scenes from the Aviator were filmed here as well. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Queen Mary is/was larger than the Titanic. At certain times of day, you can enter for free if you eat in one of the restaurants (and pay for parking). Near the V room bar, the Reno Room, the 36 36 Club, the Indian Bar, the Alhambra Bar, TC's Cocktail Lounge and Clancy's Irish bar and restaurant.
Santa Monica Buildings, Santa Monica, CA	You can tell I'm getting really lazy. Someday I'll give you some history on these. Santa Monica sure has a different feel to it than LA. It seems like everyone here dresses like a supermodel (who has the time to be so perfect?). It's a very politically correct town. Last time I was there, I just tapped someone's bumper while parking and did no damage, but half of the outdoor cafe where I parked got up and started searching for the owner to turn me in! When the owner came out - fortunately she could have cared less (maybe she wasn't from Santa Monica) All kidding aside, it is a beautiful place. The Third Street Promenade (above) is a nice place to walk at night for tourists who are not comfortable in more funky areas. Also good for night time walks are the Sunset Strip and the Universal City Walk (but see my warnings page).
Subway Terminal Building (1924-26 Schultze and Weaver) 417 S. Hill St. Los Angeles, CA	This was Los Angeles' first subway. The tunnel entering here was used from 1925 to 1955 by the Pacific Electric Railway. I'm told the lobby has a nice mural.
The Talmadge Apartments (1923 A. Curlett and C. Beelman) - 3278 Wilshire Blvd. at Berendo in Koreatown/Wilshire Center (Do not enter or disturb residents)	The elegant apartments are named after Norma Talmadge who was given the building as a present from her husband, Joseph Schenk, chairman of 20th Century Fox (or was he president of United Artists?). This building appears in the movie "Bound". Near the HMS Bounty restaurant, Langer's Deli, the Prince restaurant, the Elk's Club/Park Plaza Hotel, the Townhouse Hotel, the Bryson Apartments, the Brass Monkey and Frank 'n Hanks bar.
Sheraton Town House, 2959 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA (1929 Norman Alpaugh)	This place was once one of the most elegant Hotels in town (this was once ground zero for the elite of Los Angeles and near the origin of Wilshire Boulevard). It contained the famous Zebra Room nightclub (designed by no less than Wayne McAllister). Elizabeth Taylor married Nicky Hilton here in 1950 (Conrad Hilton had bought it in 1942 for a million bucks). I believe up until recently is was used as subsidized housing for the poor. Near Langer's Deli, the Bryson Apartments, the HMS Bounty bar and restaurant, the Brass Monkey bar and restaurant, Taylor's Steakhouse, Frank 'n Hanks bar and the Prince Korean Restaurant.
Title Guarantee & Trust Building (John and Donald Parkinson - 1929-1931), corner of S. Hill and W. Fifth, downtown Los Angeles, CA	This may be the second best Art Deco building in downtown Los Angeles. Nice mural inside called "The Treaty of Cahuenga" by Hugo Ballin. This served as the fictitious "Los Angeles Tribune Building" in the TV show "Lou Grant". Believe it or not the original ads for the building claim the location had plenty of fresh air (even a stretch back then). It’s always a joy to see its white exterior gleaming in the morning sun from the window of the building I occasionally work in near Pershing Square. By the way, the design committee that picked the “new” design of Pershing Square, in my totally unbiased opinion, must have been blind. Couldn’t they have picked something more consistent with the history of the park and the area. More trees might have been nice in this otherwise concrete jungle (a few full time policemen would have been worth it to give the area more greenery without attracting the drug element). Oh well.
Union Station (completed 5-7-1939) - John and Donald Parkinson with help from Edward Warren Hoak, J.J. Christie, H. Gilman and R. J. Wirth) - Streamline Moderne, Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival) 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles	The last great train station built in the U.S. Officially the name of this place is the Union Passenger Terminal. Created by the efforts of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe (try to put that into a song), the Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railways. This train depot has an excellent Art Deco interior. Also a locale for Blade Runner, Criss Cross, and Bugsy. Take the Los Angeles Conservancy tour of this place and see the remains of the beautiful original restaurant that was here in the 1940’s - the Fred Harvey Restaurant (designed by Mary Jane Colter). It now has a nice new restaurant there as well - Traxx. In the 1940's stars would take trains here with the names "The Super Chief and The City of Los Angeles" and arrive here (or get off in Pasadena to avoid fans). Seen in numerous movies including one entitled "Union Station" (which strangely takes place in Chicago). Near Phillipe's French Dipped Sandwiches restaurant, Olvera Street, La Golondrina Cafe, Hop Louie's and the Postal Annex and not far from Cole's PE Buffet, Clifton's, the Yorkshire Grill, the Standard Hotel, Hank's bar and Casey's.
Universal City Walk, Universal Studios, Universal City off of the 101	Obviously not a time machine (although it has nice neon recreations such as the neon from Earl Carroll’s nightclub). I mention this since it’s one of the few places less adventuresome tourists might feel safe walking at night and it’s a great place for people watching and keeping up with Los Angeles fashions and pop culture (at least for the less affluent classes). This would have been a great place to make a Brown Derby recreation. Nice Mexican Restaurant there with Mariachis - Camacho's Cantina (818 622 3333)(a good deal if you take the show into account). The Santa Monica Third Street Promenade (in Raymond Chandler’s Bay City) is also a nice place to walk at night, although for reasons I really don’t much understand I’m not much into Santa Monica – please don’t hate me!
Venice Columns, Windward Ave. Venice, CA (Norman Marsh and C.H. Russell)	Architecturally, this is about all that is left of the original concept for Venice California. Abbot Kinney (1850-1920) attempted to recreate Venice, Italy in California - canals and all. He built his dream in 1905. While it was an initially success, the canals eventually proved to be impractical (although a few still survive). The city underwent a long period of decline where much of the Venetian architecture was lost. It became a very eclectic bohemian area in the 50s and 60s. Also a Jim Morrison locale. Being on the beach in Los Angeles county - this area has now had a resurgence with great promise (in other words - it's yet another area no one can afford to buy a house!).
Walt Disney Concert Hall , 111 S. Grand Ave, downtown Los Angeles, 213/972-4399, 323/850-2000 Picture composed by Paul M.	Yes, this is a building, and quite a beautiful one at that. You don't get much more futuristic than this. And it has incredible acoustics as well. Strangely, the acoustics were so good when I heard the LA Philharmonic here, that it sounded like I was listening to a CD. Almost a little too clean. The interior is rather understated however. Beside a futuristic pipe organ, it's a bit dull, but perhaps that was necessary to have the great acoustics. Finally, some real creativity in a new building in any event. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, who is rumored to be planning another great work for Las Vegas. Near Clifton's Cafeteria, Cole's PE Buffet restaurant, Philippe the Original French Dipped Sandwiches restaurant, the Original Pantry Cafe, the Yorkshire Grill and Hank's Bar.
Westwood Village (developed by Janss Investment Co. starting in 1928 European/Mediterranean theme). Janss Investment Co. Building (1929 - Allison and Allison - Islamic zig zag design)(the Eurochow Restaurant has a pretty incredible interior while not being insanely expensive).	This beautiful development including the UCLA campus is a nice place for a stroll. When I first fell in love with LA as a visitor from San Diego, this was usually the spot I would head to. It used to be packed on weekend nights. Then for reasons I can't really recall I stopped coming here for about 15 years or so (perhaps I got tired of paying for parking or fighting traffic when I would stay in East Los with relatives). On a recent return it seemed very quiet on a weekend. Don't know if was just a slow night or whether competition from newer night spots like the Grove and Universal City Walk have calmed things down here. Still a very stylish and fun place to hang out. Lot's of upscale restaurants and movie theaters, including two movie palaces (see the movie palace page). Holmby Building? (1929 Gordon Kaufman) - correct me if I'm wrong.
Wilshire Center/Koreatown - According to Wikipedia the boundaries of Wilshire Center are Wilton Place on the west, Third Street on the north, Hoover Street on the east, and Eight Street on the south. I'm not sure it makes sense to put boundaries on Koreatown since it seems to expand in leaps and bounds each time I visit. Most of my experience of the area is spent between Vermont and Normandie on Wilshire adding on a few places on 6th and 7th Streets. This is a great part of town with important classic churches, buildings and restaurants. Besides the historic aspects, it's a great place now to learn about Korean Culture. Occasional drive by scenes in Dragnet and Adam 12 are fun for seeing extinct places like the Chapman Park Hotel. Still present are the Tishman Buildings, and the former Texaco and IBM buildings, as well as remnants of the Ambassador and ghosts of the Brown Derby Restaurant, the Bull 'n Bush, the Haig Jazz club, the Mona Lisa Restaurant and other beloved memories. This was a truly happening place in the 30's, 40's & 50's and has become a happening place of a different nature now. Must sees in the area are the Prince Korean Restaurant (formerly the Windsor), the HMS Bounty Restaurant, the Brass Monkey Restaurant and Karaoke Bar, Cassell's Hamburgers, Frank 'n Hank's Bar, Taylor's Steakhouse. There are a massive amount of great Korean Restaurants too numerous to mention that should be explored as well as two large and very interesting Korea shopping Malls on Western Ave. in Korea town. How one views a place has much to do with whether you grew up there or not. Having grown up in Howard County, Maryland which was a cultural wasteland for me (other than perhaps the traditional cultures of the area which I found rather boring), the intermix of classic "American" culture with Korean culture in this area is a wonderful thing for me. For people who grew up in this area in the 30's, 40's , 50's & 60's - it may be a bit disconcerting. Few people relish vast changes in the places they enjoyed in their youth, anymore than I am happy with the massive changes I see in the places I grew up in Maryland (as much as I was discontented with the place in my youth! - you can't win.) The Evanston Apartments (the famous Haig Jazz club of Chet Baker and Gerry Mulligan fame was once next door) See also my blurbs on the Restaurant/Bar pages for the the Prince, the HMS Bounty , the Brass Monkey, Frank 'n Hank's, as well as blurbs on this page for the Ambassador Hotel, the Wilshire Galleria (I. Magnin), Bullock's Wilshire, Talmadge Apartments, the Sheraton Townhouse, and the Gaylord Hotel/Apartments. Nice places nearby Wilshire Center include Lowenbrou Keller, and Langer's. If your not a believer, experiencing the interior of this church (Immanuel Presbyterian - 1929) may well change your mind! Can anyone tell me about this magnificent building above? Wilshire Boulevard Temple (1929)	Much of this area was once referred to as Chapman Park. Wilshire Christian Church (1923) The Tishman building (seen in episodes of Dragnet and Adam 12 - designed by Claude Beelman. Perhaps not Beelman's greatest work but looking at this building always makes me feel good - I guess because this is one of my favorite areas of LA). Looking down Wilshire from the Gaylord Apartments toward Bullocks Wilshire with the help of E. Shamie Chapman Park Market - you're missing something if you don't click to expand this!
The Wilshire Galleria (formerly I. Magnin Department Store -1939 Myron Hunt and H.C. Chambers) 3240 Wilshire Blvd., Koreatown/Wilshire Center, Los Angeles, CA.	Quite a hidden gem in K-Town. This department store, which I believe dates from 1939 has a lot of amazing art deco interior design elements still in excellent shape including a really beautiful art deco chandelier. Now an upscale, predominantly Korean mall - it's an interesting place to walk around in Koreatown. While one hears a lot about Bullock's Wilshire (which I believe was also an I. Magnin for a while), this classic department store goes quietly unnoticed outside of the Korean community.