The Deco Building in Los Angeles’s Miracle Mile is one of only three black and gold terra cotta buildings built in the City of Angels. Of the three, this is in the most pristine shape. As I wrote in my previous post, the one in Korea Town on 3rd and Western is horribly run down, and the Richfield Oil Building was destroyed, or rather replaced,  in 1969. Built by Morgan, Walls and Clements in 1929, this building was known as Security First National Bank until 1970. Afterwards it was used as a restaurant/nightclub, and then later as a Christian Center. It’s currently a short and long term creative office space that is also available for special events.

I’ve driven by this building for years, and would sometimes just stop and peer in the windows late at night… you know, as an architectural stalker. The spectacular Zig-Zag Modern Deco details are so hard not to notice when you’re whizzing by. So, once again on one of these nights a few years ago, when there was a for sale sign on the building, I made another stop. I was a little shocked to meet the new owner of the building who’d just closed escrow on it. I was happy for him, but very sad for me, (not that I could have afforded the building) but because  it would have made the most brilliant hair salon. The new owner was so cool, and invited me to come inside. He happily threw on the lights and gave me a tour. I was speechless and like a kid in a candy store as I walked through this luscious and sacred art deco interior.

Last week I decided to do another drive by and take a few exterior shots for my previous blog post, and voila! There he was again, the owner. Even though he was busy loading up his truck, he told me to go inside and look around. I mentioned that we’d met before, and he seemed to remember. This time I took full advantage of his offer, climbing the stairs to the second floor, snapping away with my iphone. He came in and once again turned on the lights for me and let me take as many photos as I wanted. Notice that gorgeous glass ceiling? That’s not one solid piece of glass, but rather individual pieces. I guess that makes sense to minimize potential damage, but the owner said it’s a massive job when it’s time to clean it. He also mentioned that he’s had a lot of interest from foreign investors who’d like to buy the building, not because they love the architecture, but because they want the valuable land. I’m so glad the owner is a much of a purist as I am, and sees the value in maintaining such remarkable craftsmanship.  Its been lovingly restored, and I’m so thankful to the owner for his passion and his kindness.

If you’re ever interested in renting this space, please go to www.TheDecoBuilding.com  or call 310.804.8651. 

If you’ve been around Los Angeles for awhile, then you may recognize these Black & Gold Art Deco buildings. The first one located at 5209 Wilshire is in pristine shape. The second one, located in Korea Town on the corner of 3rd and Western, is horribly run down and in desperate need of some TLC. The latter one, The Richfield Oil Building, has been gone for nearly 50 years.

What I find so thrilling about these buildings is the sexy combination of  black terra cotta tile with real gold leaf trim. Besides being highly ornamental, these materials have proven to be very durable, which is  why they’ve held up so well for over 80 years. Because of the rarity of their design, they truly stand out in our ever changing urban jungle. The Deco Building in the Miracle Mile is happily in an area of town where art deco is valued and is also the design standard for new buildings being constructed.  There’s a beauty to the simplicity of the clean lines and the continuity of the  elegant materials.

When developing new buildings in an area such as LA’s Miracle Mile, every effort is made to ensure that new construction is complimentary to the existing art deco vibe of the neighborhood. Sometimes it works beautifully, as in the case of 5550 Wilshire.  This newer project is an exercise in restrained elegance (this photo doesn’t do it justice). Tone on tone color values combined with strong horizontal lines similar to the Streamline Moderne era, helped this mixed use building feel as if it has been around for years.

However, sometimes the newer buildings don’t quite hit the mark, which was the case in the mixed use building at the corner of La Brea and Wilshire. Curbed LA referred to it as possibly LA’s most hated building  (click here to read the article). The initial drawings for the complex weren’t that bad, however, every time they went for a revision to appease the city planning department or the neighborhood council, it got worse and worse. I couldn’t find the original drawing online that I actually liked, but I did find the one below.  It isn’t entirely bad, even though it has no resemblance to anything art deco. I think they were trying to invoke the feeling of the May Co. Building down the street at Fairfax and Wilshire with the orange flanked spire.

Sadly, this is what the final building ended up looking like.

If we could start by simply white washing the entire building and then making the wanna be spire black, it would be so much better. It appears the developers tried to make it uber urban with layers and layers of colors and materials, hoping we’d believe it evolved over time… major fail. This trend thats been happening for the last decade is so over, not to mention that the fact that it already looks terribly dated. If you thought the post modern architecture of the 80’s was bad, just wait and see how this wears on you. Architecture by committee, at least this committee, reminds me of failed movie making where everyone wants to take credit and have their two cents worth. In the end, no clear vision prevails, and we’re stuck with a $100 million dollar flop and wasted natural resources.

Therefore, I wear blinders when I drive by some of these newer buildings, and take great delight in feasting on these little gems that have survived for nearly a century. My next blog post will take you inside the Black & Gold building being branded as The Deco Building at 5209 Wilshire Blvd.