You’d hardly think this circa 1940s shot was taken in the middle of bustling Los Angeles—and on Sunset Boulevard, no less. This is the ‘Crossroads of the World’ shopping mall, which opened in October 29th, 1936 at 6671 Sunset Boulevard, east of Las Palmas Ave. It featured an eclectic mix of stores but in an array of architectural styles, including Italian, Turkish, French, Moorish and Spanish. Amazingly, this complex is still there, but the stores are now offices. (This is where Huell Howser had his offices.)
Oh Martin – I don’t know how many hundreds of times I passed by The Crossroads and sadly never went in. I think it was close to The House of Westmore where all of us went once a week to get our hair done – its founder was Perc (short for Percival)
Westmore, who along with his brothers (Wally, Monte, Buddy & one other) were heads of make-up at various studios. The tv show “Face-Off” has 2 of the younger generations of Westmore’s, and my neighbor (and friend) Lois Burwell is often on the show. Love you.
Love these pics! Always felt a pull for this place – maybe was there in a previous life?! I’ve driven by it many times but never stopped to explore either, Louella. Parking past and present isn’t very hospitable!
Thanks for posting these, Martin.
Here’s an interesting article with much history and pictures:
http://www.kcet.org/socal/departures/columns/lost-landmarks/bloody-commerce-crossroads-of-the-world-the-murder-of-the-decade-and-las-continual-reinvention.html