801-899 California Ave in Los Angeles is a treasure trove of historical landmarks and hidden gems. This area is steeped in rich history, quirky trivia, and fascinating stories that paint a vivid picture of its past. Let’s dive into some notable spots and their intriguing backgrounds.
801 California Ave
This address marks the beginning of a block filled with history. The building here is a charming example of early 20th-century architecture, reflecting the Spanish Colonial Revival style that was popular in California during the 1920s and 1930s.
805 California Ave
Did you know that this location once housed a speakeasy during the Prohibition era? The basement of the building still has remnants of secret passages used by patrons to escape police raids.
809 California Ave
This site was the original home of the famed Los Angeles Art Association, established in 1925. The association played a pivotal role in nurturing the careers of several prominent artists, including Millard Sheets and Helen Lundeberg.
815 California Ave
A hidden gem, this building was once a popular boarding house for actors during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Legend has it that Marilyn Monroe stayed here for a brief period before her big break.
821 California Ave
This address is known for its unique architectural feature: a rooftop garden that has been maintained since the 1930s. The garden was initially designed by Rudolph Schindler, a pioneer of modern architecture, who believed in integrating natural elements into urban living spaces.
825 California Ave
The building here was once a silent movie theater. It was a favorite spot for early film enthusiasts and showcased the works of legendary directors like D.W. Griffith and Charlie Chaplin. Today, it functions as a community center, preserving its cinematic legacy.
831 California Ave
Home to the California Historical Society in the 1940s, this location has an extensive archive of photographs, maps, and documents that chronicle the state’s history. The society’s collection includes rare artifacts from the Gold Rush era.
835 California Ave
This building is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of a 1920s jazz musician. Locals claim to hear saxophone music late at night, adding a spooky yet charming aspect to the area’s history.
841 California Ave
A former bookstore that specialized in rare first editions, this spot was frequented by literary giants such as Ray Bradbury and Charles Bukowski. The store's inventory included a signed copy of John Steinbeck’s "The Grapes of Wrath."
849 California Ave
Once a bustling bakery, this location is credited with introducing the first sourdough bread to Los Angeles. The original oven, dating back to 1923, is still preserved in the building.
855 California Ave
This site was a prominent meeting place for the Los Angeles Women's Suffrage Association in the early 1900s. It played a significant role in the fight for women's voting rights in California.
861 California Ave
Home to a vintage clothing store, this building has been a fashion hub since the 1950s. It has outfitted numerous celebrities for red carpet events, including Audrey Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor.
869 California Ave
This address is notable for its mural depicting the history of Los Angeles. Created by local artist David Alfaro Siqueiros in the 1930s, it captures key moments such as the founding of the city and the rise of Hollywood.
875 California Ave
A former dance hall, this location was a hotspot during the Swing Era. It hosted legendary performances by Duke Ellington and Count Basie, making it a cornerstone of Los Angeles' jazz scene.
881 California Ave
This building once served as a wartime headquarters during World War II. It was a crucial site for the planning and coordination of defense efforts on the West Coast.
889 California Ave
The final landmark on this block is a beautifully preserved Victorian house, originally built in 1899. It is one of the few remaining examples of this architectural style in Los Angeles and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
899 California Ave
This address marks the end of our historical tour. It features a small park, dedicated to the local community's contributions during the civil rights movement. The park includes a statue of Martin Luther King Jr., commemorating his visit to Los Angeles in 1965.