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122 E 7th Street
Constructed in 1924 by the notable architectural firm of Walker and Eisen – best known for their design of such notable buildings as the Fine Arts Building and the Oviatt Building – the Art Deco look and feel projects steadfastness and beauty to this day. Upon approaching, the towering structure offers striking views, with its many-windowed facade and decorative spires stretching skyward from the roof’s perimeter. Once known as the ‘Transportation Building’ or the ‘Mercantile Center’ to local Angelenos, 122 E. 7th Street has always held an esteemed presence within the Downtown L.A. business community. Now home to various fashion industry tenants, the building was originally named for the many transportation companies, including the Pullman Company and the American-Hawaiian Steamship Company.
Replete with post-industrial charm, since the early part of the 20th century this high rise building has been a busy hub of commerce as a mixed-use, multi-tenant locale, housing offices, commercial spaces and retail shops. Bridging eras past with present, the interiors are marked by stunning marble finishes and period fixtures, along with open floor plans, high, exposed ceilings, polished cement floors and warehouse-style windows that offer airy, bright spaces on every level.
719 S Los Angeles Street
Designed by esteemed 1920s architect William Douglas Lee, 719 S. Los Angeles Street is a visual highlight of the downtown landscape. Completed in 1928, the edifice holds characteristic elements of Neo-Gothic Architectural style popularized during the era, including impeccable brickwork and ornate finishes inlaid within the structure’s facade.
The 12-story building was originally home to Palmer Silk Co. H.O., Grassmuck Co., and Scranton Lace Co., among other notable retail and design-oriented tenants of the time. Very much considered to be a symbol of success, 719 S Los Angeles Street was said to host tenants who were leaders of industry and design and it remains committed to that purpose as its current occupants continue to reflect the entrepreneurial spirit of creative design, photography, trade and production.
Today
Today, the buildings standing at 122 E 7th Street and 719 S. Los Angeles Street remain a stunning reminder of the enduring relationship between the beauty of form and function within architecture. The buildings house Los Angeles’ most creative and innovative brands in fashion, design, and manufacturing.