Woolworth's Building (Los Angeles)
| Company type | Retail building |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail (historical) |
| Founded | 1920 |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles, California , United States |
| Products | Retail store (Woolworth's) |
Woolworth's is a notable three-level edifice situated at 719 S. Broadway within the Jewelry District and the Broadway Theater District, located in the historic center of downtown Los Angeles.
History
Constructed in 1920 and designed by the firm Weeks and Day, the Woolworth's building was initially built at an approximate cost of $100,000 to serve as a retail location for the Woolworth's brand. In 1941, the structure was enlarged by incorporating an adjacent property, during which its exterior was remodeled to reflect the Zigzag Moderne architectural style.
This building contributes to the Broadway Theater and Commercial District, which gained inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. As part of the Bringing Back Broadway program, it underwent restoration efforts in 2011.
In 2013, a Ross Dress for Less store commenced operations on this site. The building was put up for auction in 2014 with an initial bid set at $4 million and was ultimately purchased for $12.6 million, indicating a significant appreciation in value within downtown Los Angeles' retail property market.
Architecture and design
The Woolworth's Building is constructed with a combination of reinforced concrete and a steel frame, showcasing a prominent Zigzag Moderne style facade. Its dimensions are approximately by . The interior features two expansive terrazzo staircases that link the main floor to the basement level, contributing to its architectural distinction.