Gazing up at this impressive structure, can you imagine the hustle and bustle of shoppers thronging its halls? This, my friends, is the Junipero Serra Building. It stands as a testament to a bygone era of retail and a vibrant chapter in Los Angeles history. Originally known as the Broadway Mart Center, this building has worn many names: the Broadway Department Store, the Junipero Serra State Office Building. But each name speaks to its evolving identity and enduring presence in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
The Junipero Serra Building’s story begins in the early 20th century. The Broadway department store, founded by Arthur Letts, was rapidly outgrowing its original home in the Hallett & Pirtle Building. Letts envisioned a grand emporium, a retail palace that would capture the spirit of a burgeoning Los Angeles. Construction of the Broadway Mart Center commenced between 1913 and 1915. The architectural firm Parkinson and Bergstrom, known for their iconic contributions to the Broadway Theater District, brought Letts’s vision to life. The resulting ten-story building, with its Beaux Arts design and Italian Renaissance Revival ornamentation, was a marvel of its time. Imagine five entrances, eleven passenger elevators, and a staggering 460,000 square feet of retail space, filled with merchandise from all corners of the globe.
The Broadway thrived in its opulent new home. For nearly sixty years, the Junipero Serra Building pulsed with the energy of shoppers seeking the latest fashions, household goods, and everything in between. It became a beloved landmark, a symbol of the city’s growth and prosperity. However, the retail landscape shifted in the latter half of the 20th century. The Broadway vacated the building in 1973, leaving behind a grand but empty shell. The building suffered from vandalism and failed renovation attempts, a poignant reminder of changing times.
Despite the setbacks, the Junipero Serra Building’s historical significance was recognized. It was listed as a contributing property to the Broadway Theater and Commercial District when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This designation marked a turning point. In 1995, the State of California purchased the building. After a meticulous four-year renovation, it reopened as the Junipero Serra Building, a state office building. The restoration, remarkably cost-effective, earned the state a Conservancy Preservation Award in 2000. Today, the Junipero Serra Building houses over 1,000 state employees. Its halls, once filled with shoppers, now bustle with the activity of government work. As you stand before this grand building, take a moment to appreciate its remarkable journey. From retail giant to state office, the Junipero Serra Building stands as a symbol of adaptation and resilience. It’s a tangible piece of Los Angeles history, whispering tales of the city’s ever-evolving story.