LA's OG Skyscraper: A Tale of Two Towers
So, you wanna know about the oldest skyscraper in LA? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this is a story older than your grandma's favorite pair of slippers.
The Continental Building: LA's OG High-Rise
Now, when we say "skyscraper," you probably imagine something that looks like it could touch the moon. But back in the day, a skyscraper was more like a tall building with a bit of an ego. Enter the Continental Building, a 13-story behemoth that proudly claimed the title of LA's tallest building until City Hall came along and stole its thunder.
Built in 1903, this bad boy was a marvel of modern engineering (for the time, at least). It was like the iPhone of buildings – everyone was jealous, but no one really knew how it worked. With its fancy Beaux-Arts style and fireproof construction (a big deal back then), the Continental Building was the place to be if you wanted to feel like a high roller without actually being one.
A Tale of Two Titans: The Continental vs. City Hall
But then came City Hall, the big, brash newcomer that towered over everything in sight. It was like a teenager showing up to a family reunion and immediately upstaging everyone. The Continental Building went from being the queen of the hill to the grandma in the corner, muttering about "kids these days."
Despite being overshadowed by its younger sibling, the Continental Building still holds a special place in LA's heart. It's a reminder of a time when things were simpler, when a 13-story building was considered a skyscraper, and when people didn't complain about avocado toast being too expensive.
So, next time you're in downtown LA, take a moment to appreciate this architectural OG. It's like visiting your great-grandparents – you might not understand their stories, but you respect their legacy.
How to... Skyscraper Trivia
- How to impress your friends with skyscraper knowledge: Mention the Continental Building and casually drop the fact that it's older than your favorite celebrity.
- How to feel small: Stand next to City Hall and contemplate your place in the universe.
- How to time travel (kinda): Visit the Continental Building and imagine what it was like to be a big shot in 1903.
- How to become an architecture buff: Start by learning the difference between Beaux-Arts and Art Deco.
- How to avoid getting lost in LA: Use a map (or just rely on your phone). Skyscrapers might be tall, but they can't help you with directions.