This is the ad placed in the L.A. Times on Oct. 29, 1936 advertising the grand opening of the Crossroads of the World, the first outdoor shopping mall in the United States. Architect Robert Vincent Derrah designed to be like a ship coming into port and each of the stores represented the merchandise brought in from all over the world. Clever, no?
Very trendy and current. It’s the same idea as “The Crystal Palace” concept.
I really don’t know why I resonate so much with this place. Driven by many times, but never stopped. Maybe in a previous life I merely enjoyed strolling the lovely courtyards. I’ll bet in its heyday the Crossroads of the World looked pretty all lit up at nighttime.
Thank you for posting these wonderful pics, Martin.
Jean
Same here, Janet. I’m rather drawn to it, too, but never made the time to go and check it out in person. I ought to put it on my To Do List. But first I guess I should start making a To Do List.