Bradbury Building: A Victorian Masterpiece

The Bradbury Building, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, stands as a testament to Victorian-era architectural ingenuity and a beloved landmark. Completed in 1893, this five-story office building has captivated visitors and filmmakers alike for over a century with its breathtaking interior and rich history. Commissioned by Los Angeles gold-mining millionaire Lewis L. Bradbury, the building was intended to be a grand and enduring monument to his name. Initially, Bradbury hired Sumner Hunt to design the building, but dissatisfied with Hunt's plans, he turned to George Wyman, a draftsman in Hunt's office. Legend has it that Wyman consulted a Ouija board, receiving the message, "Take Bradbury Building. It will make you famous." Whether fact or folklore, Wyman accepted the commission, creating what would become his singular masterpiece. The Bradbury Building's exterior presents a surprisingly unassuming facade of brown brick, sandstone, and terracotta detailing, designed in the commercial vernacular Italian Renaissance Revival style. However, stepping inside is like entering another world. The narrow entrance lobby, with its low ceiling, opens into a bright, naturally lit central court that rises almost 50 feet to a glass skylight. This awe-inspiring atrium is the building's most notable feature, creating a cathedral-like space filled with light and intricate ironwork. The building's design incorporates innovative elements rarely seen at the time. The open-air atrium, extensive use of glass, and ingenious ventilation systems set a new standard for architectural sophistication. The atrium is enclosed with a combination of cast- and wrought-iron balconies and staircases. Light-colored pressed brick and terracotta form the walls and piers, reflecting light from the skylight overhead and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The Bradbury Building's interior showcases meticulous masonry work, blending various materials to create a stunning visual and tactile experience. Marble staircases, elaborate French wrought-iron railings in the Art Nouveau style, glazed and unglazed tiles, decorative terracotta Mexican tiles, and polished wood railings add to the building's aesthetic appeal. The open-cage elevators, still in operation, provide a glimpse into the past, offering a unique and memorable experience. The Bradbury Building has earned numerous accolades throughout its history. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, and recognized as a landmark by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. In the late 1980s, developer Ira Yellin purchased the building and invested $7 million in its restoration, preservation, and seismic retrofitting, ensuring its survival for future generations. Beyond its architectural beauty, the Bradbury Building holds significant cultural importance. It has appeared in numerous works of fiction and has been the site of many movie and television shoots and music videos. Its cinematic journey began in 1944 with Double Indemnity and reached iconic status with its prominent role in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner (1982), where it provided a dystopian yet hauntingly beautiful setting for the film's climactic scenes. Other notable appearances include The Artist (2011), 500 Days of Summer (2009), and countless commercials and television series. Today, the Bradbury Building continues to serve as a functional office space while also attracting tourists and architecture enthusiasts from around the world. The building's ground floor is home to various retail establishments, while the upper floors house offices for creative and tech companies. Visitors can explore the first level of the building for free, marveling at the atrium, ironwork, and overall architectural grandeur. Guided tours are also available, offering a more in-depth exploration of the building's history and design. The Bradbury Building stands as a symbol of Los Angeles' rich architectural heritage and its enduring appeal as a filming location. Its unique blend of Victorian elegance and cinematic history makes it a must-see destination for anyone visiting downtown Los Angeles.