Towering above us stands the Southwestern Law School Bullocks Building a majestic Art Deco masterpiece. Its buff-hued terra cotta exterior shimmers in the Californian sun. A copper spire soars 241 feet into the sky a testament to its enduring legacy.
This wasn’t always a law school. For decades this building pulsed with the energy of Bullock’s Wilshire a legendary department store. Imagine the bustle the glamour the sheer opulence. This “cathedral of commerce” drew Angelenos and Hollywood elites alike. Stars like Mae West John Wayne and even Walt Disney once graced these halls.
John and Donald Parkinson the brilliant architectural minds behind Union Station also designed this building. They envisioned a store tailored to the burgeoning automobile culture. Large display windows beckoned motorists while the main entrance faced a spacious parking lot a revolutionary concept for its time. The interior was breathtaking. Custom Lalique light fixtures illuminated exquisite displays. Artwork from artists worldwide adorned the walls creating a truly luxurious shopping experience. There was even a luxurious Tea Room where society women gathered for luncheon and fashion shows.
Sadly Bullock’s closed its doors in 1993. The building faced an uncertain future. Looting during the 1992 civil unrest left its mark. Many original fixtures and furnishings were removed a devastating loss. But thanks to the efforts of The Los Angeles Conservancy and others Macy’s eventually returned the stolen pieces.
In 1994 Southwestern Law School acquired the building. They embarked on a ten-year $29 million restoration project. Painstakingly they restored murals repaired columns and even put custom wall clocks back in working order. The result is this stunning blend of historic preservation and modern academic use.
Today the Southwestern Law School Bullocks Building stands as a symbol of adaptive reuse. It continues to inspire awe and admiration. It’s more than just a building. It’s a living piece of Los Angeles history a reminder of the city’s past and its vibrant present. It’s a landmark that has gracefully transitioned from a bustling department store to a center of legal learning. A true architectural gem.