Bank of America Building (Los Angeles)

Last updated
Bank of America Building
Ripleys 01.jpg
The building in 2006
U.S. - Los Angeles Metropolitan Area location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of building in Los Angeles County
Location6780 W. Hollywood Blvd. and 1668 Highland Ave., Hollywood, California
Coordinates 34°06′05″N118°20′19″W / 34.1013°N 118.3385°W / 34.1013; -118.3385
Built1914, 1935
Architect Morgan, Walls & Clements (1935)
Architectural style Beaux Arts
Part of Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District (ID85000704)
Designated CPApril 4, 1985

Hollywood's Bank of America Building, also known as the C.E. Toberman and Co. Building, is a historic building located at 6780 W. Hollywood Boulevard and 1668 Highland Avenue in Hollywood, California. Named after its former tenant, the building currently houses a Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium.

Contents

History

Policeman Hollyood Christie Bank of America 1920s.jpg
Hollywood Boulevard in the 1920s. The Bank of America Building is at the right

The Bank of America Building was built in 1914 as a four-story apartment complex, [1] with a Bank of America branch on the ground floor and apartments above. [2] Charles E. Toberman was the developer. [3] [4]

In 1935, Morgan, Walls & Clements remodeled the building into a one-story Beaux Arts styled bank. This building, along with Hollywood First National across the street, anchored the corner of Hollywood and Highland. It features classical detailing, with a decorated frieze, projecting cornice, its entrance and windows recessed between Corinthian pilasters, and a flat roof with red tile at the parapet. [1]

In 1984, the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District was added to the National Register of Historic Places, with the Bank of America building listed as a contributing property in the district. [1]

In 1992, a Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium moved into the building, [5] which remains open today and features a 20-foot model Tyrannosaurus rex bursting through the roof and chewing on a clock. [6]

In 2001, the building was sold for $1.975 million. [7]

In 2024, Bank of America Building was one of four Hollywood and Highland buildings proposed for demolition to make way for a metro entrance on the K Line Northern Extension. The other buildings are 6806 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood Theater, and Lee Drug. [8]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 3 "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form - Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District". United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service. April 4, 1985.
  2. "Early Views of Hollywood (1920 +)". Water and Power Associates. p. 2. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  3. "Angels Walk LA Self Guided Historic Trails - Hollywood" (PDF). City of Los Angeles . Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  4. "C.E. Toberman Co. Building - Hollywood Historic Site #40". Hollywood Chamber of Commerce . Retrieved October 6, 2024.
  5. Frank Uhle. "Ripley Entertainment, Inc". encyclopedia.com . Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  6. Gary Wayne. "Ripley's Believe It or Not! "Odditorium"". www.seeing-stars.com. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  7. "6778 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028". PropertyShark . Retrieved July 16, 2024.
  8. "Metro K Line Northern Extension". Los Angeles Conservancy. 2024.