The James Oviatt Building
historic place
The James Oviatt Building, located in Los Angeles County, stands as a notable historic place in downtown Los Angeles. Construction on this twelve-story Art Deco skyscraper began in August 1927 and was completed in May 1928. Designed by the architectural firm Walker & Eisen, the building was conceived by James Oviatt to house his luxury haberdashery, Alexander & Oviatt. Oviatt's vision for the building was significantly shaped by his visit to the 1925 Paris Exposition, leading to its distinctive Art Deco style. The building is renowned for its opulent appointments, including over thirty tons of custom-designed René Lalique glass, used for elements like elevator doors, chandeliers, and an arcade ceiling. It also featured a three-faced neon clock, a city first. The James Oviatt Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and is also a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. It remains a significant example of Art Deco architecture in the city.