The circular Capitol Records building became an instant and much-photographed icon when it opened in 1956, but it’s nice to see a shot of it before it became famous. Construction on the project started in 1955 and the building opened in 1956. I’d say it’s about halfway done at this point, so let’s call it 1955. I’m also glad to see that the 3-story corner building in the foreground is still around.
Roughly the same view in November 2021:
As a child I was walking with my father there one day when he stopped and showed my the spot where he had run into Nat King Cole heading up to Capitol on foot. He always held him in high regard and was thrilled to have had a short conversation with him. Said that Nat was one of the nicest and friendliest persons he had ever met.