Woolworth'S Building

Introduction

Situated at 719 South Broadway in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the Woolworth’s Building stands as a vivid monument to the city’s commercial history and architectural evolution. Since its establishment in 1921, the building has been a focal point for retail innovation, architectural ambition, and urban revitalization. Originally constructed for the F.W. Woolworth Company—a trailblazer in American five-and-dime retail—the building showcases a harmonious blend of Roman Neo-Classical and Art Deco design elements. Its enduring presence continues to captivate both visitors and residents, serving as a window into Los Angeles’ bustling past and present. This comprehensive guide covers the building’s rich history, architectural features, practical visitor information, and its role within the city’s cultural landscape. For further historical and architectural insights, see Gaslamp Foundation, PCAD, and Historic Jefferson Park.

Origins and Early Development

The Woolworth’s Building in Los Angeles sprang from the explosive growth of the F.W. Woolworth Company, which revolutionized American retail by offering affordable, fixed-price merchandise in an inviting setting. Frank Winfield Woolworth’s entrepreneurial vision, which took root in the late 19th century, led to the proliferation of five-and-dime stores across the U.S. By 1912, Woolworth had merged 581 stores into a single company, achieving annual sales of $100 million by 1919 (Gaslamp Foundation).

In 1921, Los Angeles saw the construction of its own Woolworth’s Building at 719 South Broadway. Designed by the firm Weeks and Day, with engineering by William Peyton Day and construction by McDonald and Kahn, the structure was a three-story edifice of reinforced concrete and terra cotta, measuring 60 by 170 feet (PCAD).

Architectural Features and Style

The building’s design exemplifies early 20th-century commercial architecture, blending the grandeur of Roman Neo-Classical elements with Art Deco’s geometric elegance. Notable features include:

• Granite base and terra cotta cladding: Lending durability and visual sophistication.
• Corinthian columns and pilasters: Adding classical gravitas to the facade.
• Large display windows and recessed entrances: Designed to draw shoppers and maximize interior light.
• Ornate interiors: Featuring glass display cases, woodwork, mirrored posts, and imported lighting fixtures, the building provided a modern, appealing shopping environment (Gaslamp Foundation).

In 1941, the building underwent a substantial remodel, adopting the Zigzag Moderne style, a variant of Art Deco characterized by bold geometric forms and decorative motifs. The result was a vibrant, optimistic facade reflecting Los Angeles’ urban dynamism (Historic Jefferson Park).

The Building’s Role in Los Angeles

Upon opening in January 1923, the Woolworth’s Building became a retail anchor in downtown Los Angeles, catering to a diverse clientele. Its five-and-dime model democratized shopping, offering an accessible array of goods and services. The site also hosted medical offices and furnished rooms on the upper floors, making it a multi-purpose urban hub (Gaslamp Foundation). Its lunch counter and soda fountain were social gathering spots, emblematic of the era’s urban experience, though major civil rights sit-ins associated with Woolworth’s occurred elsewhere (LA Daily Mirror).

Evolution, Decline, and Preservation

Evolution and Decline

As retail trends shifted mid-century, Woolworth’s faced mounting competition from suburban malls and discount chains. The Los Angeles store, once bustling, saw a decline mirroring national trends. By the early 1980s, closures began in earnest, and in 1997, Woolworth’s shuttered its remaining U.S. locations, transitioning its assets to what is now Foot Locker, Inc. (PCAD).

Preservation and Adaptive Reuse

Despite the retail chain’s demise, the building survived due to its robust construction and architectural significance. Seismic retrofitting, elevator upgrades, and other renovations have preserved its historic character while accommodating new uses. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of businesses and even entertainment venues, exemplifying adaptive reuse and contributing to downtown Los Angeles’ ongoing revitalization (Gaslamp Foundation).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

• Current Use and Visiting Hours: Today, the Woolworth’s Building is occupied by tenants such as Ross Dress for Less. Typical operating hours are Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Confirm hours with the current retailer or via their official website.
• Admission: There is no entry fee for visiting the building or viewing its historic exterior and lobby.
• Accessibility: Entrances and facilities are wheelchair accessible, with elevators available to upper floors. The building is well-served by public transit, especially the nearby Pershing Square and Civic Center/Grand Park Metro stations (Los Angeles Metro Rail).
• Parking: Multiple public garages are nearby. Street parking is limited and metered.

Nearby Attractions

• Broadway Theater District: Explore historic movie palaces and performing arts venues.
• Bradbury Building: Famous for its ornate ironwork and skylit atrium (voyagetips.com).
• Grand Central Market: A lively food hall with diverse culinary options (timeout.com).
• Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck: Offers panoramic city views (voyagetips.com).
• Jewelry District: Renowned for its vibrant shops and markets.

Tips for a Memorable Visit

• Photography: The facade and architectural details are best captured in early morning or late afternoon light.
• Guided Tours: While there are no tours dedicated solely to the Woolworth’s Building, downtown walking tours often include it as a highlight (lacity.gov/visitors).
• Dining and Shopping: Enjoy retail therapy or a meal in and around the building—check current tenants for up-to-date offerings.
• Events: The surrounding area frequently hosts cultural events and festivals (Discover Los Angeles Calendar of Events).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Woolworth’s Building?
A: Hours depend on individual tenants; for the main retail space, check with Ross Dress for Less.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, the building is open to the public during business hours without charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: No dedicated tours, but the building is often featured on downtown Los Angeles walking tours.

Q: Is the building accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, entrances and facilities are generally accessible, and public transit is nearby (travellikeaboss.org).

Q: Can I take photos inside?
A: Photography is allowed in public areas, subject to tenant policies.

Safety and Visitor Awareness

Downtown LA is generally safe during the day, but visitors should remain alert and secure their belongings, especially after dark. The city has invested in safety and cleanliness, yet standard urban precautions are advisable (travelcaffeine.com).