One of Hollywood’s most enduring landmarks is the Hollywood First National Bank building at the northeast corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave. It’s pictured here in 1929, a year after it opened during the summer of 1928. Designed by Mayer and Holler, who also built the Egyptian and Chinese theaters for Sid Grauman, it made a nice contrast to the Hollywood Hotel, whose greenery we can see on the northwest corner.
The building is still there. It’s been empty since I’ve moved to LA in the mid-1990s, which is surprising as it sits in a prime Hollywood location. It may have sustained significant earthquake damage, but whatever the reason, it’s a shame because it really is a gorgeous building. This image is from July 2022.
** UPDATE ** I guess it hasn’t been completely empty. This comment was left on my Facebook page by Michael A: “My old friend, Robert Jones, James Cagney’s old accountant, used to have his office in that building. I remember back in 1996 I worked with boxing trainer, Freddie Roach. He had his gym, the ‘Wild Card Boxing Club’ on the whole ground floor of that building there. We trained Irish middleweight World champion, Stevie Collins, for his fight there.”
Another person said the building sustained no earthquake damage and is available for lease.
There is more to the story than earthquake damage. Over the years, I have tried to find the owner and find the real story. No luck. It has sat there empty for at least 30 years, much like a grave marker.
Someone should write the story about that intersection and its unique history. This landmark will soon face either a dramatic restoration or a dramatic demolition. A book about its history will be popular at this time.
So you couldn’t find the owner, even though you’ve tried? That IS a mystery! If it’s been like this for 30+ years, it makes me wonder if the owner is even still alive.
Perhaps the answer lies in the land itself. This was not the first building on that pioneering site. If the land is held in some ancient trust, they may have taken control of the whole shebang after some chain of defaults. Might even be unresolved and sitting in a long court battle? What’s in the county land records?
Tartarian
My brother studied at the Guitar Institute of Technology that was situated in this building in the early ’80s. The name was later changed to Musicians’ Institute (MI) My high school friend studied there in 1978 and lived with another student about 4 blocks from downtown Santa Monica at that time.
Few people would do that commute today.
I remember flying up from San Diego and visiting him and the roommate.
“Sta Mo” was SO… different in those days.
Searching doesn’t lead to much information about this building’s current standing. A lot of it is conflicting. There’s a 2019 article about 5 sites in Hollywood, this one at the top of the list, about it being the next great business opportunity in Hollywood. Some people thing it’s owned by a businessman in Santa Monica. (?) Other people think Scientology owns it. Another says it has no dedicated parking so no one wants it. Another thinks it needs earthquake retrofitting before anyone would want to do something.
In the late ’70s I had my bank account at the Security Pacific bank located here. Around the same time I worked with a woman who said the SAG offices, back in the day whenever that was, used to be in the top floors. This lady said she used to run an elevator in the building and one day the elevator doors opened and in walked Clark Gable. He wanted to go to the SAG offices. Fondly remembering this she enthused, “I got to take him all the way up.” She paused, remembering and then laughed, “I got to bring him all the way back down, too!”
I’ve encountered completely conflicting information too, so it’s hard to know what the truth is. I doubt the Church of Scientology owns it because if they did, I’d have thought they would have retrofitted it by now!
Frankly, I’m really just glad it’s still there!
You said it Martin she is a Grand old Building!!!
I live near this building and gaze at its beauty as it sits untouched which makes me sad. However when you look up mid way you can see personal belongings leaning against the glass as well as a pose tap basket behind the front door with a note about packages. If does appear someone may be staying inside due to the belongs i see in the window which is strange since I do not know how they’d be gaining access to the building
People always seem to find a way in, don’t they?
This is sad that such a beautiful architectural landmark with so much history occupying the n/e corner of Hollywood Blvd/Highland Ave has sat empty for so long!!! The city of Los Angeles should step up and do something for the restoration/preservation of this gem!!! Before the wrecking ball comes in!!!
Quite honestly, I’m surprised the wrecking ball hasn’t already come for it!
I only hope the wrecking ball doesn’t destroy this building!
I was just in town and walked around the building and marveled at it’s beautiful architecture with the cool gargoyles way up on the upper floors…….It is just sad no one with deep pockets has come to its rescue!!!!
I was interested in this building & I went digging. LOL. Just like the other commenters, I haven’t found much.
Quite honestly, anything’s possible with that building!
I’m gonna throw out a guess. Some monied individual secretly bought it, had some discreet under the table renovations done, and is using it as a private residence.