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Hollywood & Western Building facts for kids
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Hollywood Western Building
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Hollywood & Western Building, 2012
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 Location in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5504 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood |
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| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | S. Charles Lee |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 15000378 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | July 7, 2015 |
The Hollywood & Western Building is a famous four-story office building. You can find it at 5504 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. It's also known as The Mayer Building.
This building is very special because of its unique Art Deco design. It became a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 1988. Later, in 2015, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important part of history!
Contents
Building History
Designed by a Star Architect
The Hollywood & Western Building was designed by a famous architect named S. Charles Lee. He was known for designing many movie theaters. The building was built by two very important people in Hollywood: Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg. They were big names in the early movie industry.
The building first opened its doors on December 8, 1928. It quickly became a busy place.
Early Tenants and Fun Spots
Many important groups had their first offices here. These included the Motion Picture Association of America and Central Casting. Central Casting helps find actors for movies and TV shows.
The building also had some fun places. Hollywood Billiards, the oldest pool hall in Hollywood, was in the basement. There was also a coffee shop called Toppy's and a drug store. Over the years, many different businesses called this building home.
A Hub for Music and Movies
By the 1970s, the building started to change. Many of its offices became recording studios and music rehearsal spaces. This was a great place for bands to practice and record their songs.
The building even appeared in movies like Double Indemnity and Ruthless People. It was also used for many TV shows. Famous bands like Guns N' Roses and White Zombie used the building for their rehearsals. Imagine practicing where your favorite bands once did!
A New Beginning
Surviving an Earthquake
In 1994, a big earthquake hit Northridge, California. The Hollywood & Western Building was badly damaged. It was empty for several years after that.
But this historic building was not forgotten! It was carefully fixed up and made new again.
Today's Important Offices
Today, the building is busy once more. It holds offices for important people who help our communities. For example, Adam Schiff, a U.S. Representative, has an office there. A City Councilman named Mitch O'Farrell also has an office in the building. These people work to make Los Angeles a better place.
The Hollywood & Western Building continues to be an important landmark in Hollywood. It has a rich history and a bright future!