Picture the Janss Dome. Its iconic dome rises majestically above Westwood Village. This isn’t just any building. This is a piece of Los Angeles history.
In 1929 the Janss Dome opened. It was the first structure in the newly developed Mediterranean-themed Westwood Village. The Janss brothers Edwin and Harold developed the village. They wanted a shopping and cinema area near UCLA. The Janss Investment Company had its headquarters here. Interestingly the second floor served as UCLA’s first male dormitory.
The architecture is stunning. A high portico welcomes visitors. Arched windows grace the octagonal main building. The dome itself is a masterpiece. Its Moorish style aqua and white zig-zag pattern and gold leafing are unforgettable. A cupola tops the dome. It’s a landmark alongside the Fox Theater’s tower.
The Janss Dome’s story continues. In the 1990s Morphosis architects remodeled it for Contempo Casuals. Later a Wherehouse Music store occupied the space. Michael Chow redesigned the interior for a restaurant. He unfortunately painted over the original dome design. The Westwood Design Review Board intervened. They ordered the restoration of the original aqua and white zig-zag pattern. More recently a Japanese restaurant and now the Broxton Brewery & Public House have called the Janss Dome home.
The Janss Dome is more than just a building. It’s a testament to the vision of the Janss brothers. It reflects the growth of Westwood Village and UCLA. It stands as a vibrant symbol of Los Angeles’s rich past. Its enduring presence reminds us of the ever-changing face of this dynamic city. The Janss Dome’s history is a story that continues to unfold.