Wow What an entrance This is the Fine Arts Building. A masterpiece of Romanesque Revival architecture.
Imagine this building in 1927. Architects Albert Raymond Walker and Percy Augustus Eisen had just finished their design. The twelve-story structure stood tall. Its smooth light-colored stone façade shone in the California sun.
The building is more than just offices. It’s a historic landmark. Designated in 1974 it’s a cultural monument. The building housed artists and galleries. A testament to Los Angeles’s artistic spirit. Its interior is equally impressive. The two-story lobby features large wall arches. A gallery overlooks the lobby. It’s modeled after a church’s matroneum. A bronze sculpture-adorned pool reflects light. The lobby walls are decorated with ceramic panels. Sculptural inserts and glass and bronze showcases hold artwork.
The Fine Arts Building has a rich history. Oil wildcatter Russell E. Havenstrite owned a penthouse. In 2012 Sorgente Group of America purchased the building. The building has even appeared in movies. It featured prominently in (500) Days of Summer. An aspiring architect in the film called it his favorite building.
The Fine Arts Building’s atrium is open to the public. It’s a sight to behold. Every square foot is filled with details. This oasis of calm sits amidst the city’s hustle and bustle. It offers a serene escape. It’s a magical place a bastion of beauty in the heart of the financial district.
The Fine Arts Building continues to thrive. It houses businesses. It displays rotating artwork. Even today this building stands as a symbol of artistry. A testament to Los Angeles’s creative spirit. A legacy of stunning design and artistic achievement. This building stands for a time when art and business blended. A truly remarkable landmark in a remarkable city.