The building shown here in this circa 1950 photo was known as the Martz Flats building—a rather odd name for a rather lovely building. It housed small independent stores like woman’s fashions and embroidery services. These days, of course, downtown LA is filled skyscrapers and parking lots, but wouldn’t it have been nice if a few of these quirky buildings could have been saved to keep the cityscape down to a more human level?
The Martz Flats was built by Henry Martz in 1890. It was demolished in the late 1960s to make room for a 30 story building and parking lot. Here’s a photo from 1965:
1950s or 1960s– I’ll be happy with either.
It reminds me of the Stock Exchange building on Spring Street.
I’d guess it was named that because it was originally an apartment building, i.e. flats.
Ah, yes Paula, that does make sense.
Per Calisphere: “Henry Martz built the Martz Flats in 1890 in the Regency style as a commercial extension to his home. This two-story building at the southeast corner of Seventh and Flower was demolished in 1965 and replaced by what is now known as the Macy Plaza.” Doesn’t mention apartments but doesn’t mean it didn’t have them. Link to Calisphere page is https://calisphere.org/item/8fc301b658f59556779f8dfe91d07e09/
However, additional pictures and the article at the Wilshire Blvd site appears to show that Paula’s idea about apartments may have some evidence. When the property was more intact the full development units do look apartment-like. Check out this link to see the pictures https://wilshireboulevardhouses.blogspot.com/2013/04/655-park-view-street-street-please-see.html
Thanks, NW!
Thanks from me, too. Very interesting!