Los Angeles, a city known for its glitz and glamour, is also a treasure trove of historic buildings that reflect the rich tapestry of its evolution. These past architectural gems offer us a glimpse into the diverse and rich cultural heritage of this ever-changing city. In this post, we embark on a journey through time, exploring the significance of some of the most iconic historic buildings that once graced the streets of this vibrant metropolis.
The rebuilt Times Building on the NW corner of 1st & Broadway - 1915.
5 years before this photo was taken the original building had been bombed & completely destroyed. Demolished in 1938.
The Bradbury Mansion - 1890.
Built in the 1880s, it had 35 rooms and & located on the corner of Hill & Court streets. It suffered years of decline & was demolished in 1929.
The Baker Block - ca. 1890.
Standing on the SE corner of Main & Arcadia from 1877-1942 - it was once LA's showpiece. Demolished as part of the 1930 Civic Center plan in which Aliso was extended from Los Angeles St. to Broadway.
The Ambassador Hotel in the 1920s.
Opened in 1921, it hosted many a party & dignitary - and was the scene of the FK assassination in '68. It closed in 1989, sat empty for years, and was demolished in the mid-2000s. Now it's the Kennedy Community Schools complex.
The Ocean Park Bath House around the time it opened - 1905.
I've never been able to find a definitive date for its demolition so I'm currently going through old aerials to try & pinpoint.
The Richfield Tower (seen here ca. 1929).
Built in the late 20s, it was torn down for more office space & the ARCO Plaza was built on the site in early 70s.
The Hollywood Hotel - ca. 1920.
I sure wish the Hollywood Hotel was still with us vs. the Hollywood & Highland Complex. The center of Hollywood life in its early years, it lasted from 1902-1956.
The Sandstone Courthouse - 1906.
Completed in 1891, it was badly damaged by the 1933 Long Beach quake & was demolished in 1936.
Marion Davies' beach house in Santa Monica - ca. 1930.
With over 100 rooms - it cost $7 million. The mansion was demolished in 1956 & all that remains today is the guesthouse and the pool as part of the Annenberg Community Beach House.
The Santa Fe Railroad's La Grande Station - seen in the 20s.
It was terminal for the railroad from 1893 until Union Station opened in 1939. Located at 2nd & Santa Fe - was demolished in 1946.
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