With a summit adorned by elegant clock faces, the Eastern Columbia Building is one of the most iconic architectural wonders to visit in Los Angeles. It has a remarkable art deco façade, made up of blue-green terracotta tiles. Revel in the art deco brilliance of the intriguing set of lofts in this complex.
From a distance, admire the stylish four-sided clock tower that rises above the uniform height of most of the neighboring buildings. At the time of construction, a former building height restriction was waved to allow the clock to tower over its surroundings at 260 feet (80 meters) high. Spot the large print that spells out “Eastern” in white capital letters above the clock faces.
Take a closer look at the light-blue frontage, with its fluted piers and flying buttresses. Check out the sunburst patterns and geometric shapes making up the façade. You’ll also spot sculpted animals and geometric shapes.
Notice the golden portals of the building, which has 13 stories and was one of the standouts in the baroque Los Angeles Broadway Theater District that ruled Hollywood in the beginning of the 20th century.
The site currently serves as an upmarket residential block for 147 condominiums. Inside, the main hall is particularly ornate, with high ceilings and gold-leaf décor. This vestibule spreads across two stories and formerly led to a retail arcade for pedestrians.
Note that the site first opened in 1930, following a construction period of just nine months. It began as the Eastern-Columbia Department Store and became residential in 2006, before actor Johnny Depp purchased and later sold five of its penthouses.
Find the Eastern Columbia Building in the heart of the Downtown Los Angeles district. Take a bus to a stop just outside the complex. Make your way through the area to see other sights, including the Escape Room LA, the Globe Theatre Los Angeles and the Regent Theater.
