Picture the Piazza del Sol. Its Venetian Renaissance Revival facade stands out. It’s the only neo-classical building on Sunset Boulevard. This ornate structure is a Sunset Strip landmark.
The Piazza del Sol wasn’t always so glamorous. It began life in 1927 as the Hacienda Arms Apartments. Wealthy residents lived there. Movie stars like Loretta Young and Marie Dressler called it home.
But the Piazza del Sol has a darker side. In 1935 a murder occurred. A dress designer was killed in his apartment. Years later Rod Stewart owned the building. He was even carjacked there.
In the 1930s the building housed a notorious “house of ill repute”. Lee Francis a madam ran a brothel here. A vice bust shut it down. This was a scandalous event.
A suspicious fire nearly destroyed the Piazza del Sol in 1983. The interior was gutted. The cause was arson. This led to a major renovation. The building was reborn.
Today the Piazza del Sol is a successful office building. It houses businesses. It also has a restaurant. This blend of history and modern use makes it unique. The Piazza del Sol’s story is one of opulence scandal and resilience. It’s a true Sunset Strip icon.