Continental Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Continental Building |
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| Alternative names | Braly Building Hibernian Building Union Trust Building Old Bank District Apartments |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Residential condominiums |
| Location | 408 South Spring Street Los Angeles, California |
| Coordinates | 34°02′55″N 118°14′54″W / 34.0486°N 118.2482°W |
| Completed | 1903 |
| Owner | Old Financial District LP |
| Height | |
| Roof | 45.87 m (150.5 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 13 |
| Floor area | 56.5 million sq in (365 million cm2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | John Parkinson George Edwin Bergstrom Killefer Flammang Architects |
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Continental Building
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts |
| Part of | Spring Street Financial District (ID1979000489) |
| Designated CP | 1979 |
The Continental Building is a very tall building in Los Angeles, California. It stands at 408 South Spring Street in an area called the Historic Core. This building is 151 feet (46 meters) tall and has 13 floors. Today, it is used for homes, with many apartments inside.
When it was finished in 1903, the Continental Building was super important. It was the very first high-rise building in Los Angeles! For 53 years, it was also the tallest commercial building in the city. This means it was the tallest building used for businesses.
Right after this building was completed, the city of Los Angeles made a new rule. They decided that no new buildings could be taller than 150 feet (46 meters). This rule stayed in place for a long time, until the 1950s. The Continental Building is a special part of the Spring Street Financial District. This district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important historical area.
Building History and Design
The Continental Building was once known by other names, like Braly Block. It was designed by famous architects such as John Parkinson and George Edwin Bergstrom. They used a style called Beaux-Arts, which is known for being grand and fancy. This style often includes detailed decorations and a classic look.
Los Angeles' First Skyscraper
When the Continental Building opened in 1903, it changed the skyline of Los Angeles. Before this, buildings were much shorter. Its 13 stories made it stand out and showed that Los Angeles was growing. It was a big step for the city's development.
A Landmark for Decades
For over five decades, the Continental Building held its record as the tallest commercial building. This was partly because of the city's height limit. It remained a symbol of progress and a key part of the downtown area for many years. Even today, it is recognized as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
Gallery
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Continental Building - 408 S. Spring Street -
Continental Building when home to the German American Savings Bank, 1908
