Home > California > Los Angeles > Title Guarantee & Trust Building, 401 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA
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Item Title
Title Guarantee & Trust Building, 401 West Fifth Street, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA
Location401 West Fifth Street,
Los Angeles, CA
Find maps of Los Angeles, CA
Created/Published
Documentation compiled after 1933.
Notes
Survey number HABS CA-2152
Building/structure dates:
1930 initial construction
Significance: Designed by the prominent architectural firm of John and Donald Parkinson, Title Guarantee is one of the better examples of the zig zag style in Los Angeles. It is utilitarian office structure built to serve the needs of the expanding business community of the 1920's. Although exterior architectural detail is minimized, the massing of the tower is a good example of how to combine Gothic and moderne forms successfully. The treatment of the lobby, although small in size, indicates sensitivity to the history of the area. The walls are decorated with a set of six paintings by Hugo Ballin. The first panel shows a prehistoric scene in the Brea Pits; the second depicts life in the Spanish and Mexican period; the third shows the signing of the Treaty of Cahuenga; the fourth, Lieutenant Ord and his survey; the fifth the coming of the railroad; and the sixth shows the City of Los Angeles during construction of the Title Guarantee Building.
Subjects
BanksOffices
Related Names
Parkinson, John
Parkinson, Donald
Collection
Historic American Buildings Survey (Library of Congress)
Contents
Photograph caption(s):
1. SOUTHEAST ENTRANCE
2. SOUTH FRONT
3. SOUTH AND EAST FRONTS
4. NORTH SIDE AND EAST FRONT SHOWING UPPER STORIES
5. DETAIL ABOVE SOUTH ENTRANCE
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