Picture this. You are standing before the Los Angeles County Hall of Records a striking modernist high-rise. This isn’t just any building. This is a significant piece of Los Angeles history.
The Hall of Records you see today wasn’t the first. The original Hall of Records was built in 1911. It stood nearby. It was demolished in 1973. The current building opened in 1962. It cost a hefty $13.7 million. That’s quite a sum back then.
Designed by the renowned Richard Neutra and Robert Alexander this architectural marvel showcases the International Style. Notice the distinctive aluminum louvers on the south side. They were once designed to adjust with the sun. Now they remain fixed. The building wasn’t always meant to be one structure. Initially planned as two separate buildings one for records the other for staff they were cleverly merged into this impressive single structure.
The building is more than just a place to store documents. It houses various county offices. The Alternative Public Defender Probation Department Regional Planning Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney all call this building home. Beneath the building lie the Los Angeles County archives. Secret tunnels connect it to the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration.
Step inside and you will encounter a unique design. The north side boasts odd-numbered floors with double-high ceilings and tall windows. The south side has floors at eight-foot intervals. Initially intended for record storage this area is now repurposed as office cubicles. A fascinating fact. In 1991 the County Recorder’s office relocated to Norwalk.
Take a moment to appreciate the artistry. On the Temple Street side admire the mosaic mural Topographical Map of Water Sources in County of Los Angeles. It’s a stunning work by artist Joseph Young. The mural and its reflecting pool have undergone meticulous restorations. The building even has terraces on the 13th and 15th floors. Originally intended as a dining room and lounge with panoramic views they’re currently only accessible to employees.
The Los Angeles County Hall of Records is a testament to architectural ingenuity and the ever-evolving landscape of Los Angeles. A true icon of the city’s past and present. A symbol of progress and efficiency. Yet it still holds onto its own unique charm. It’s a reminder that even in a city of constant change history remains ever present.