Behold, the North Broadway Viaduct stands before us. Completed in 1911, this bridge represents Los Angeles’ aspirations. They wanted to be a metropolis at the turn of the century. The North Broadway Bridge whispers tales of a bygone era. It reflects the City Beautiful Movement. This movement sought to beautify urban centers nationwide. It was the dawn of the twentieth century.
Originally named the Buena Vista Viaduct, the North Broadway Bridge was special. It was the first major monumental Beaux Arts bridge constructed by the City of Los Angeles. When completed in 1911, it was the longest and widest concrete arch bridge in California. It spanned 968 feet. The North Broadway Bridge is one of more than two dozen historic bridges. These bridges span the Los Angeles River between the San Fernando Valley and Long Beach.
Look closely at the deck of the North Broadway Bridge. Notice the sculpted concrete railing. It runs between twelve rounded viewing balconies. Imagine people pausing here. They would enjoy the mountain landscape. At each entrance, find two pairs of fluted Ionic columns. They stand on high square pedestals. They are topped by a cornice and balustrade.
Homer Hamlin and Alfred P. Rosenheim designed the North Broadway Bridge. Rosenheim also designed the 1907 Hamburgers/May Company Department Store. It is now the Broadway Trade Building. He designed the Hellman Building too. That building is now Banco Popular de Puerto Rico. Both are prominent landmarks downtown.
In 2008, the North Broadway Bridge earned a special designation. It became Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #907. The bridge spans the eastern boundary of Los Angeles State Historic Park. Here, it provides a sheltered space. They use it for film screenings, concerts, and other special events.
Imagine the dedication ceremony on October 16, 1911. The span was then called Buena Vista Bridge. President William Howard Taft was an honored guest. The East Side Improvement Association spearheaded the project. They wanted better access to the city. Reuben W. Dromgold proposed one great bridge. It would serve Pasadena and the north. Another would serve Downey Avenue and the east. The Los Angeles Railway concurred. They promised to share the expense.
The Southern Pacific also played a role. They granted a right of way across its tracks. They dedicated a 20-foot wide easement. This allowed North Broadway to be widened. The old rail yard of that company is now the state park property.
Construction was a feat of engineering. Towers held the cable tram. It transported material for the piers. The riverbed was mined for sand and gravel. These supported the piers. The piers were set on bedrock.
The bridge was wide. It had sidewalks and a roadway. The decorative work included an artificial stone balustrade with balconies. Pylons of artificial stone stood at either end. They were surmounted by entablature. Over 18,000 cubic yards of concrete were used. The total weight was nearly 37,000 tons.
The span’s cost was significant. The Los Angeles Railway furnished about 30%. The City took up the remainder. Hamlin was the city engineer. He was its earliest and staunchest advocate.
The dedication exercises were remarkable. President Taft made a brief speech. He wielded a bottle of water from the Owens River. It symbolized the near-completion of the Los Angeles Aqueduct. He dedicated the Buena Vista Bridge.
The North Broadway Viaduct remains a testament to Los Angeles’ ambition. It is a symbol of progress. It reflects the city’s commitment to beauty and innovation. As we stand here today, let us appreciate the history. Let us celebrate the enduring legacy of this iconic landmark.