The first time when I was in L.A. I visited downtown purposely with my old digital camera after my interview as a draftsman for a steel structure manufacturer in Paramount, CA. My friend drove me there and I took the long walk to the metro transit,  took the train back to downtown L.A.  It was 2001.

Ever since I came back to L.A. I drove thru or drove by downtown numerous times. I never really look at the buildings again. With the idea of revisit architecture this year, I think that might be good to look at those buildings again, hopefully to expand my experience with the old great ones.

My first stop was the Pantry Cafe (877 South Figueroa St, 1924).  I called the cafe and they said they open 24/7 with a parking lot. However, when I exit 110 freeway and find the corner, I find no free parking lot. Who is going to pay $8 for the parking for my breakfast. So I drove away, damn it, back to 110 north and turned to 10 east and I exited Broadway. That is L.A. When you are in the car, downtown is not a good place to go.

Forget about the cafe, I think I should dine in the Baltimore Hotel. Driving along Broadway, with an architectural tour in mind, I sensed the old buildings in a different way. That reminded me thinking of New York, Chicago, Shanghai’ Waitan, Guangzhou’s Shamian and many pieces of European cities. Soon I noticed the red Bradbury Building on my left on 3rd and Broadway, some famous building with a story. ( I will discuss further later.)

Wondering where to park my car in downtown, I drove to the underground of Pershing Square parking lot. Damn it! $15.40 for 2 hours and more. It is really not cheap! OK, time is more precious, I park and went up. Pershing Square is the only park in this area. My comment, this is one of the worst city parks I ever seen!

Then I walk down Olive St., turned right on 7th towards west, using my cell phone to shoot pictures on whatever old buildings I was interested and keep the Fine Arts Building in mind. I bought a cup of coffee right next door to the Fine Arts Building, and finished it at National City Bank’s Plaza, went in to the Central Library.  I dined in the Baltimore Hotel.

After lunch, I drew two sketches in the lobby, nobody bothered me as I sit in the huge couch drawing. Then I walked the Broadway.  That was my day. I walked into three buildings.

Buildings to be mentioned with photos will be mentioned specifically later, hopefully with a good writing and some interesting stories.