The Tineseltown Time Machine Visits the BIG BANK!

You may remember the two-story First National Bank building at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue we looked at earlier in this series. Here's what that building grew into in 1927. The new First National Bank Building is 13-stories high, as tall as the City of Los Angeles would allow a building to be within the city limits. (Remember Hollywood was part of Los Angeles by 1927.)

The reason for the 13-story rule was so the L A City Hall would always be the tallest building in the city. That law was repealed the minute L A's politicians realized how much it was costing them in taxes. (Photo 1927)

The First National Bank Building is still with us today, but it is unoccupied. Hollywood history enthusiasts hope it will find a purpose in today's Tinseltown and not be torn down like so many iconic Hollywood landmarks. All we need is another plastic and chrome tourist trap on Hollywood Boulevard.

On a personal note, I have my own fond memories of the First National Bank Building. My music publisher occupied a suite near the topmost floor of the tower and I kicked off a few Christmas seasons looking down on the Santa Claus Parade on Hollywood Boulevard from up there.

Funny thing was, most of the people in the room were Jewish, and they were making as big a deal about Christmas as we gentiles. That's Hollywood.

Historic photo © Water & Power Associates
Text and design © Steve Eitzen
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