Columbia Square

In 1938, a gleaming beacon of modernity arose on Sunset Boulevard. It was Columbia Square, a testament to the burgeoning power of radio and television. Columbia Square wasn’t just a building. It was a symbol of innovation, a place where the airwaves crackled with the voices and laughter of some of entertainment’s biggest names. Originally built for KNX and CBS’s West Coast operations, it stood on the former site of Nestor Film Company, Hollywood’s first movie studio. The Swiss-born architect, William Lescaze, designed the Square in the International Modernist style. Its sweeping lines, porthole windows, and glass brick were a bold statement, a departure from the traditional architecture of the time. CBS President, William Paley, insisted that form should follow function. This philosophy is evident in the Square’s design, where every detail served a purpose, from the state-of-the-art studios to the glass-windowed control room that housed Columbia’s West Coast master control. The grand opening of Columbia Square on April 30, 1938, was a spectacle to behold. A star-studded evening special, “A Salute to Columbia Square,” featured luminaries like Bob Hope, Al Jolson, and Cecil B. DeMille. Crowds thronged Sunset Boulevard, eager to catch a glimpse of the stars and the magnificent new building. Bob Hope famously joked that Columbia Square looked like “the Taj Mahal with a permanent wave.” The Square quickly became a hub of creativity, hosting some of the golden age of radio’s most beloved comedies. Shows like Jack Benny’s, Burns and Allen’s, and Edgar Bergen’s filled the airwaves with laughter. Dramas like “Suspense” and “Gunsmoke” kept listeners on the edge of their seats. Columbia Square also hosted musical acts, including Eddie Cantor, Rosemary Clooney, Bing Crosby, and Doris Day. Even the legendary composer Bernard Hermann frequently scored and conducted broadcasts from the Square. Later, Columbia Square transitioned into the television era. It became the birthplace of iconic shows like “I Love Lucy,” whose pilot episode was filmed there. For decades, the Square buzzed with activity. Announcer George Walsh recalled crowds clamoring for tickets to live broadcasts. Actors would rush to the Radio Actors Telephone Exchange in the lobby after their performances to check for new bookings. Columbia Square was more than just a broadcasting center. It was a vital part of Hollywood’s vibrant entertainment scene. The Square’s legacy extends beyond radio and television. It housed recording studios for Columbia Records, where artists such as Bob Dylan and Barbra Streisand recorded albums. In 2007, a special broadcast, “Remembering Columbia Square: A Salute to a Palace of Broadcasting,” paid tribute to the Square’s rich history. It featured interviews with many who had graced its halls and microphones. Though the broadcasting operations eventually moved to other locations, Columbia Square’s architectural and historical significance remains. Today, the revitalized Columbia Square stands as a testament to its glorious past. It has been adapted for modern use while preserving its historic charm, continuing to play a vital role in the heart of Hollywood.