918 California Ave in Los Angeles is a treasure trove of historical landmarks, each with its own unique story and hidden facts. Let's dive into some of the most fascinating ones.
The Adamson House
This beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival-style home was built in 1929 by Rhoda Rindge Adamson and her husband, Merritt Huntley Adamson. It’s known for its intricate tile work, which was produced by Malibu Potteries. Did you know the house was almost demolished to make way for a parking lot? Thankfully, it was saved and is now a museum.
Los Angeles Union Station
Opened in 1939, this station is a blend of Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, and Art Deco styles. It is sometimes called the "Last of the Great Railway Stations." One quirky fact: the station has been featured in numerous movies, including "Blade Runner" and "Catch Me If You Can."
The Bradbury Building
Constructed in 1893, this architectural gem is famous for its stunning atrium with open cage elevators and wrought-iron railings. It was commissioned by Lewis L. Bradbury, a mining millionaire. Trivia: It served as a filming location for "Blade Runner" and "500 Days of Summer."
Griffith Observatory
Opened in 1935, this iconic observatory sits on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood. Donated by Griffith J. Griffith, it offers stunning views of the Los Angeles Basin. Fun fact: It has appeared in films like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "La La Land."
Watts Towers
Created by Simon Rodia, an Italian immigrant, these towers were built over 33 years using found materials. The tallest tower reaches nearly 100 feet. Rodia worked alone without scaffolding. These towers have been a symbol of resilience and creativity in the Watts community.
The Gamble House
Built in 1908 for David and Mary Gamble of the Procter & Gamble company, this house is a masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts movement. Designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene, it features exquisite woodwork and custom-made furniture. It served as Doc Brown's house in "Back to the Future."
The Getty Villa
Modeled after a Roman country house, the Getty Villa was established by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty in 1974. The villa houses an extensive collection of ancient art. An interesting tidbit: Getty never saw the completed villa, as he lived in England and passed away before its completion.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
This area is the birthplace of Los Angeles, founded in 1781. Key attractions include the Avila Adobe, the oldest existing house in LA, built in 1818, and Olvera Street, a vibrant Mexican marketplace. The monument celebrates the city’s multicultural history.
Hollywood Sign
Originally reading "Hollywoodland," this iconic sign was erected in 1923 to promote a real estate development. It was intended to last only 18 months but has become a global symbol of the entertainment industry. Each letter stands 45 feet tall, and the sign was refurbished in 1978.
The Queen Mary
Docked permanently in Long Beach, this retired British ocean liner sailed from 1936 to 1967. It’s now a hotel and museum. During WWII, it was painted grey and nicknamed the "Grey Ghost." It’s rumored to be haunted, making it a popular spot for ghost tours.
The Los Angeles Central Library
Opened in 1926, this library is an architectural marvel with its Egyptian and Mediterranean Revival styles. Designed by Bertram Goodhue, it features a pyramid-shaped roof adorned with a hand-painted sunburst. It survived a devastating fire in 1986 and was subsequently restored.
The TCL Chinese Theatre
Opened in 1927, this theater is famous for its handprints, footprints, and autographs of Hollywood stars. It was originally called "Grauman’s Chinese Theatre," named after its founder, Sid Grauman. The theater has hosted numerous movie premieres, including the 1977 release of "Star Wars."
The La Brea Tar Pits
These natural asphalt pits have yielded over a million fossils, dating back 50,000 years. The adjacent George C. Page Museum showcases many of these finds. Did you know that the tar pits still bubble today and occasionally trap small animals?
The Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
Installed in 1937, this carousel features 68 horses and a Stinson 165 Military Band Organ. It is said to have inspired Walt Disney to create Disneyland. The merry-go-round is located near the Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West.
The Chateau Marmont
This hotel, built in 1929, has been a hideaway for Hollywood stars for decades. Modeled after a royal castle in France’s Loire Valley, it has been a backdrop for numerous escapades and scandals. A fun fact: James Dean hopped through a window during his audition for "Rebel Without a Cause."
Pantages Theatre
Opened in 1930, this theater was originally part of the vaudeville and early movie circuit. Designed by B. Marcus Priteca, it features an opulent Art Deco interior. It hosted the Academy Awards from 1949 to 1959.
The Eames House
Constructed in 1949 by designers Charles and Ray Eames, this house is a landmark of mid-20th-century modern architecture. It was part of the Case Study House program and is noted for its innovative use of industrial materials.
Each of these landmarks offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Los Angeles' history and culture. They stand as testaments to the city's ability to blend the old with the new, creating a vibrant urban landscape full of stories waiting to be discovered.