Built in 1893, the brick building (middle left) is not much to look at on the outside.
The inside may be familiar to Blade Runner, Double Indemnity and original D.O.A movie fans. A security guard keeps watch on the National Historic Landmark.
From Wikipedia..."the magnificence of the building is the interior that is reached through the entrance, with its low ceiling and minimal light, that opens into a bright naturally lit great center court."
"The elevators in the building are also famous for their being cage elevators surrounded by wrought-iron grillwork rather than masonry. They go up to the fifth floor."
"The entire main building features geometric patterned staircases at all ends. The building is known for its large use of ornately designed wrought-iron railings which are supposed to give the illusion of hanging vegetation and are found throughout the building. This wrought-iron was executed in France and displayed at the Chicago World's Fair before being installed in the building." (Photographers/visitors can only go up to this first landing.)
"The walls are made of pale glazed brick, the marble used in the staircase was imported from Belgium, and the floors are composed of Mexican tile."
This is the recreation center at Pan-Pacific Park in Los Angeles.
It is modeled after, and built on the former location of, the Pan-Pacific Auditorium which was constructed in 1935, went into disrepair, and finally burned up in the 1980's.
Tiles of historic photos in the entrance-way.
Around back, a homeless person is holed up with his shopping cart.
The original auditorium had 4 towers, and was larger.
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