In this color photo from 1944, we’re given a glimpse into wartime life at one of Los Angeles’s busy intersections – Wilshire Blvd and Fairfax Ave, where the popular May Company department store stood on the northeast corner, with its iconic gold-tiled cylinder. It is now the home of the Academy Museum. Across the street was the equally popular Simon’s Sandwiches drive-in restaurant. Next to it appears to be a green-and-white Art Deco building I’ve never noticed before, so now of course I’m on the hunt for a clearer photo of it!
In this wide shot of that intersection from April 2019 we can see the Academy’s museum’s glass dome behind the May Co building on the far left. On the right is the eye-catchingly unique Petersen Automotive museum.
“(ca. 1937)* – Krandill Mortgage and Investment Company featuring builders and contractors is located at 6111 Wilshire Boulevard near Fairfax. This Streamline Moderne building features a rounded glass brick entrance and stepped neon sign. A neon clock pole sign announces that it is time to see Fred W. Klein and Associates, Realtors. The rooftop billboard space is for lease, and has interesting Late Moderne features that have been integrated into the building.”
Just found this old video posted on YouTube from Wiltshire Blvd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wlq2zRLkDM – the art deco building makes a couple of appearances. It’s not the photo you were searching of, but maybe it’s still interesting.
In this color photo from 1944, we’re given a glimpse into wartime life at one of Los Angeles’s busy intersections – Wilshire Blvd and Fairfax Ave, where the popular May Company department store stood on the northeast corner, with its iconic gold-tiled cylinder. It is now the home of the Academy Museum. Across the street was the equally popular Simon’s Sandwiches drive-in restaurant. Next to it appears to be a green-and-white Art Deco building I’ve never noticed before, so now of course I’m on the hunt for a clearer photo of it!
I think the sign out in front of the green-and-white Art Deco building say the company are “Realtors.”
I can’t see that, Gordon, but I think I can see the name “HENRY.”
Henry E. Burke Realtors at 6111 Wilshire Boulevard. You were right, Gordon!
A nice example of moderne architecture of the time. The architect must have been horrified when seeing the signage added to his work.
Another view of the Real Estate office.
https://i.imgur.com/LkTSlTM.jpg
“(ca. 1937)* – Krandill Mortgage and Investment Company featuring builders and contractors is located at 6111 Wilshire Boulevard near Fairfax. This Streamline Moderne building features a rounded glass brick entrance and stepped neon sign. A neon clock pole sign announces that it is time to see Fred W. Klein and Associates, Realtors. The rooftop billboard space is for lease, and has interesting Late Moderne features that have been integrated into the building.”
https://www.waterandpower.org/museum/Early_LA_Buildings%20(1925%20+)_5_of_8.html
Thanks Johnny!
Just found this old video posted on YouTube from Wiltshire Blvd https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wlq2zRLkDM – the art deco building makes a couple of appearances. It’s not the photo you were searching of, but maybe it’s still interesting.