Hollywood, California, is renowned for its glitz and glamour, representing the heart of the global entertainment industry. While it's predominantly known for its modern and ever-changing landscape, Hollywood also boasts a rich history that is reflected in its architecture. In this article, we will delve into the oldest buildings in Hollywood, showcasing their significance and contributions to the neighborhood's historical heritage.
On our tours of Hollywood (tour company site) you’re guaranteed to see many of these grand old edifices. If you didn’t know about these structures before, read on for a glimpse into historic Hollywood of a century (or more) ago!
1. Hollywood Heritage Museum (Lasky-DeMille Barn) One of the oldest buildings in Hollywood is the Lasky-DeMille Barn, now known as the Hollywood Heritage Museum. It was built in 1895 by Robert Northam as a stable for his horses. Later, in 1912, it became a pivotal location in Hollywood's history when it was acquired by the Jesse Lasky Feature Play Company. This company, along with director Cecil B. DeMille, made Hollywood's first feature-length film titled "The Squaw Man" in 1913. The barn was used as the film's production headquarters. Today, the Hollywood Heritage Museum preserves and showcases memorabilia from Hollywood's early years and serves as a cultural landmark.
2. Villa Carlotta Constructed in 1924, Villa Carlotta is a Spanish Colonial Revival-style apartment building located on Franklin Avenue. It was designed by Arthur E. Harvey and named after his wife, Carlotta. The building has an iconic courtyard, adorned with fountains and lush landscaping, making it a desirable place of residence for many artists, writers, and actors throughout Hollywood's golden era. Over the years, Villa Carlotta has been home to notable residents, including actress Marion Davies and photographer Ansel Adams.
3. Hollywood Forever Cemetery Office Building The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is not only a resting place for many Hollywood legends but also home to one of the oldest buildings in the area. The cemetery's office building, constructed in 1926, stands as a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It was designed by architect John Austin, who also designed the iconic Griffith Observatory. The office building's striking facade features arched doorways, decorative tiles, and ornate details, adding to the historical charm of the cemetery.
4. Yamashiro Hollywood Yamashiro Hollywood, built-in 1914, is a stunning Japanese-inspired mansion located atop a hill overlooking Hollywood. It was originally designed as a private residence for the Bernheimer brothers, who were collectors of Asian art and culture. The estate features traditional Japanese gardens, pagodas, and a massive 600-year-old pagoda tree. In the 1920s, it was converted into a private club and restaurant, becoming a popular destination for Hollywood's elite. Today, Yamashiro remains an iconic Hollywood landmark, offering breathtaking views of the city and a blend of Japanese and Californian cuisine.
5. The Egyptian Theatre Constructed in 1922, the Egyptian Theatre is one of Hollywood's oldest movie palaces. It was designed by architect Meyer & Holler in an Egyptian Revival style, inspired by the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb. The theater's iconic facade features large columns, lotus flower motifs, and hieroglyphics. The Egyptian Theatre played a significant role during Hollywood's early days, hosting the first-ever Hollywood premiere in 1922. Today, it serves as a cultural venue, showcasing classic films and hosting events like the annual TCM Classic Film Festival.
6. The Montmartre Apartments Built-in 1924, the Montmartre Apartments is a French Gothic-style apartment building located on Whitley Avenue. Designed by architect Arthur and Nina Zwebell, the building features beautiful architectural details, including ornate arches, spires, and Juliet balconies. The Montmartre Apartments exemplify the charm and elegance of Hollywood's early architecture and remain an integral part of the neighborhood's historic fabric.
7. The Hollywood Palladium The Hollywood Palladium, built-in 1940, holds a prominent place in Hollywood's architectural history. Designed by renowned theater architect Gordon Kaufmann, the Art Deco-style building has hosted numerous music events, concerts, and dances since its inception. It was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2016, preserving its significance in Hollywood's entertainment scene.
8. The Hillview Apartments Constructed in 1917, the Hillview Apartments is a notable example of early Hollywood's architectural style. Designed by architect Arthur and Nina Zwebell, the building showcases a blend of Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival elements. With its distinctive red tile roof and arched windows, the Hillview Apartments reflect the charm and character of Hollywood's past.
9. The Max Factor Building The Max Factor Building, constructed in 1928, stands as a symbol of Hollywood's influence on the beauty industry. Designed by architect Simeon Charles Lee, the building features a distinctive Art Deco facade with silver and gold detailing. It was originally used as the headquarters for Max Factor & Company, a renowned cosmetics brand. Today, the building houses the Hollywood Museum, showcasing Hollywood memorabilia and preserving the legacy of the entertainment industry.
10. The El Capitan Theatre Originally known as the Hollywood Paramount Theatre, the El Capitan Theatre opened its doors in 1926. Designed by architect G. Albert Lansburgh, the theater exhibits a Spanish Colonial Revival facade with Churrigueresque detailing. Throughout its history, the El Capitan has been a premier venue for film premieres and live performances. After a period of decline, it was restored to its original grandeur by The Walt Disney Company in 1991 and now operates as a movie theater and performance venue, hosting Disney movie premieres and special events.
These are just a few examples of the oldest buildings in Hollywood, each contributing to the neighborhood's rich architectural heritage. They stand as testaments to the area's vibrant past and continue to play a significant role in shaping Hollywood's cultural identity. Whether it's the iconic Egyptian Theatre, the historic Hollywood Heritage Museum, or the charming Montmartre Apartments, these structures offer visitors and residents alike a glimpse into the history and evolution of Hollywood, California.
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