Rediscovering Downtown LA’s Grand Dame: The Eastern Columbia Building
A Turquoise Pearl Of Art Deco Style In LA. Eastern Columbia Building
SOURCE: WhiteMAD
AUTHOR: Szymon Biedronka
DATE: April 18, 2024
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Located in the Broadway Theater and Commercial District of Downtown Los Angeles, the Eastern Columbia Building, also known as the Eastern Columbia Lofts, stands as a testament to the glamour and sophistication of Art Deco architecture. It has been characterized as one of the “grand dames of Art Deco Streamline Moderne” in Los Angeles. Designed by Claud Beelman and completed in 1930, the thirteen-story building is built of steel reinforced concrete.
What sets the Eastern Columbia Building apart is its striking exterior. Clad in glossy turquoise terra cotta adorned with deep blue and gold accents, the building exudes elegance and grandeur. The glazed terra cotta tiles, extend vertically across all thirteen stories. Between the turquoise panels, windows of a slightly darker hue are thoughtfully placed, adding depth and dimension to the structure. Behind this architectural marvel lies a story of craftsmanship and innovation. Terra cotta, a versatile material, was meticulously shaped and glazed to achieve the building’s distinctive appearance.
By the early 21st century, however, the building became outdated and non-functional. To save the art deco gem, a private investor bought the building and turned it into a luxury apartment building. The building was thoroughly renovated and the clock on the tower restored. The building boasts an impressive array of decorative elements including intricate terra cotta ornamentation, geometric motifs, and vivid color schemes, making it a renowned example of architectural diversity.
Collaborating with partners WJE and Mark 1 Restoration, Boston Valley Terra Cotta was instrumental in the renovation process, particularly in addressing water infiltration issues at the parapet level. Boston Valley supplied 850 terra cotta units, producing 59 custom-designed molds and 6 extrusion dies. The project required the matching of 4 custom colors – 3 shades of gloss turquoise glaze, along with 1 gloss blue glaze, to ensure a cohesive color range among the existing façade.
The ability to customize terra cotta—shaping it into various profiles and applying unique textures and glazes—allowed the architects to achieve their design aspirations. Boston Valley’s expertise in glaze matching and development, spanning more than three decades, ensured that each element of the Eastern Columbia Building’s façade reflected the spirit of the Art Deco era. In 2006, Eastern Columbia Lofts opened to new resident, earning a Conservancy Preservation Award in 2008.
If you find yourself in Downtown LA, take a moment to gaze upon this iconic building – one of the city’s most photographed structures. Let its turquoise façade transport you back to the glamorous days of the early 20th century—an era defined by bold ideas.
The above Drone Footage Images provided by Mark 1 Restoration.
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