A shining example Art Deco architecture, the Southern California Edison Building opened in 1931 on the northwest corner 5th and Grand Sts, in downtown LA. SoCal Edison is an electricity company, so when I say “shining” I mean exactly that. Obviously this photo was taken (around the time the building opened) with a long exposure that makes it glow like a lighthouse beacon, but in real life, it still would have been a sight to see at night.
I’m happy to report that the building is still there, albeit surrounded by skyscrapers these days. This image is from May 2022.
I just love Art Deco buildings in Los Angeles. Thanks for highlighting them!
Unlike this gorgeous Art Deco Edison building which is now surrounded by skyscrapers, the Ferraro Building is still visible for miles around. The Water and Power building (Ferraro Building,1965) at 111 N. Hope St. was designed to be a spectacle of light (and water fountains) atop a prominent hill. It would have been something to behold indeed.
My theory is that drought years and a general understanding of water scarcity lead to turning off the water fountains ( In the 80s or 90’s? I haven’t seen them turned on in 20 years- I wonder if they work anymore). Similarly, it became unseemly to light up the whole building for mere spectacle (what with rolling black-outs). What started out as a celebration of abundance became an unintended symbol of scarcity, or possibly mismanagement, neither of which is good.
On a more positive note, the time-lapse photo of the Edison building is among the more charming and evocative I have seen in a while. Thank you for doing what you do Martin.
And thank YOU, Deepy, for letting me know you enjoy my various posts and musings.
Thankfully its surroundings aren’t all skyscrapers. It’s directly across the street from from our wonderful Los Angeles Central Library building.