Burbank City Hall

Completed in 1943, Burbank City Hall stands as a testament to the city’s rich history. Did you know that this architectural gem was partially funded by the Works Progress Administration? Burbank City Hall’s design, a blend of Moderne and Art Deco styles by architects William Allen and W. George Lutzi, cost a mere $409,000. A 1996 Los Angeles Daily News article quotes Councilman Ted McConkey praising Burbank City Hall’s unique character and the frequent filming requests it receives. He highlighted the building’s meticulous maintenance and the stunning murals within. Burbank City Hall became the second building in Burbank listed on the National Register of Historic Places, following the main post office. The 77-foot tower, serving as the main lobby, showcases intricate Art Deco details and over 20 varieties of marble. This marble adorns the city seal on the floor, the trim, the walls, and even the grand stairway. Admire the cast medallions, Bartolo Mako’s bas-relief sculpture “A Tribute to Craftsmen,” and two other bas-relief panels on the facade. Inside, Mako’s framed painting “Justice” once graced the City Attorney’s office. But the true artistic highlights of Burbank City Hall are Hugo Ballin’s murals. Known for his work at Griffith Observatory and Wilshire Boulevard Temple, Ballin created two masterpieces here: “The Four Freedoms” in the Council Chamber and “Burbank Industry” in the rotunda. Restored in 2001, these murals offer a glimpse into the city’s past. The Council Chamber, with its teakwood-paneled walls, houses Ballin’s “Four Freedoms,” inspired by Roosevelt’s 1941 speech. Originally furnished with carved wooden pews and a checkered floor, the chamber now features padded theater-style seating and carpeting, changes made in 1978. The 2001 renovation restored the ceiling to its original height, revealing the full mural that had been partially hidden for decades. “Burbank Industry” in the rotunda depicts Burbank-built airplanes, the motion picture industry, agriculture, and a power plant. Part of this mural, removed in 1964 to accommodate a bridge to an adjacent building, was rediscovered and reattached after being stored for 37 years. Imagine it rolled up in plastic, hidden under a bridge, in a bedroom, and even at the Burbank Historical Society! The restored mural was unveiled on September 10, 2001. Burbank City Hall, a true landmark, reflects the city’s artistic and historical heritage.