1928 (Associated Architects: John Parkinson, Albert C. Martin and John C. Austin)
Los Angeles, California

Perhaps the best known architectural symbol for the city of Los Angeles is the L.A. City Hall. A team of three architectural firms, calling themselves the Associated Architects, received the commission in 1925 for this important work. They divided the project as follows: John Parkinson (concept and architectural design), Albert C. Martin (structural design), and John C. Austin (working drawings).

An early design rendering from the Parkinson Archives portrays the Los Angeles City Hall with a short, stubby central tower, conforming to the city's then-maximum building height of 150 feet. It is assumed that this drawing was presented to the City Council first, before a second rendering showing the now-familiar, impressive tower was shown. Desirous of having their new symbol stand out as the tallest structure in Los Angeles, City Council voted to exceed the height limitation in favor of the latter design. As a result, national precedent was established for the case that "a municipality is not governed by it's own ordinances."

Although L.A.'s downtown now boasts quite a few taller buildings, the Los Angeles City Hall is still the most universally recognized city icon. The famous 450-foot tower reigned as the tallest building until the height restriction was lifted by the City Council in 1957.

Stylistically, City Hall is an artful blend of the Classical and Mediterranean traditions, with a decidedly Moderne spirit. On the interior, a Romanesque influence is predominant. The lower portion of the building is California light gray granite, while the upper portion and tower are covered with glistening terra cotta.

Terra cotta was selected for use above the street level for its ability to mimic granite, yet provide substantial cost savings. Unfortunately, it was some of these masonry elements that noticeably failed during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. It was followed by widespread alarm regarding long-term safety for the elected officials and city staff working inside the building.

Outright demolition in favor of a newer building, for the first time, was seriously considered. After many a heated debate over cost, a decision to both seismically upgrade and renovate all the interiors was set into action. The enacted plan puts the building on shock absorbers and reinforces the walls and upper floors. About 70% of the seismic upgrades are completed, with re-occupancy scheduled for May 2001. The mammoth publicly-funded project does include the reopening of the famed 27th floor tower Observation Room.

Project Restore, a non-profit organization established to raise money for the decorative elements' restoration, has continued to make progress in their efforts, while drawing public attention to the importance of keeping this public treasure. The Lindbergh Beacon, originally mounted atop the crowning pyramid, has been restored and awaits reinstallation. We fully support City Hall's restoration and look forward to celebrating this most famous Parkinson design's rebirth.

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