Isn’t it astonishing how a haberdashery became an Art Deco masterpiece? The James Oviatt Building stands before us. It is a testament to one man’s vision and passion for European style.
The James Oviatt Building also known as The Oviatt Building is more than just a beautiful facade. It is a journey through time. It is a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship.
James Oviatt, the building’s namesake, arrived in Los Angeles in 1909. He worked as a window dresser before partnering with Frank Baird Alexander. Together, they launched Alexander & Oviatt haberdashery.
Oviatt’s annual buying trips to Europe shaped his taste. He embraced the emerging French Art Deco style. This style would define his 1928 James Oviatt Building.
Designed by Walker & Eisen, construction began in 1927. The James Oviatt Building was completed in 1928. Oviatt sought the finest materials and artisans. He commissioned Rene Lalique, the famed French jeweler.
The James Oviatt Building became Lalique’s largest commercial project. Over 30 tons of custom-designed art glass were shipped from Paris. Lamps, panels, and windows adorned the building. It housed more Lalique glass than any other single site.
Maillechort, a silvery metal, was used for the mailbox and elevator doors. French marble lines the Gothic-arched corridors. English oak trim graces elevators and doorways. Carved angels reflect Los Angeles’s name.
The James Oviatt Building was a luxury emporium. Sweaters, shirts, and hats were on the first floor. Custom clothes and shoes were on the second. The mezzanine showcased decorative art.
Oviatt’s penthouse was even more opulent. Lalique and Georges Sadier designed the space. It featured a drawing room with spider-web marquetry. A Sadier-designed bar included zebra-skin stools.
A Lalique-lighted corridor displayed photos of Oviatt’s famous clients. These clients included Cecil B DeMille and Clark Gable. The penthouse even had a replica of a Pullman-car stateroom.
The rooftop was a resort. It had a swimming basin and a tennis court. There were gardens and even a private beach with French sand. A three-faced neon clock chimed Christmas carols.
The James Oviatt Building has been restored three times. These restorations occurred in 1970, 1981, and 1990. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. It is also a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.
Today, the James Oviatt Building houses the Cicada Restaurant and Lounge. It has appeared in films like Bruce Almighty and Mank. The James Oviatt Building stands as a monument to Art Deco elegance. Its glittering history continues to captivate.