Thanks to an alert from Melissa (aka “The Colonel”), on Christmas morning Willis and I explored The High Tower. Unbeknownst to me, this hidden gem has been nestled in the Hollywood Heights neighborhood since 1922. How had I never heard of this before?
As in incentive to potential home buyers, the seven-story elevator tower was built to provide an easier alternative to the steep stairs that gave access to the homes on top. The vintage ad below is from April 1922.
A key is necessary to ride the elevator; this helps keep the riff-raff out, as well as little kids who would want to use the electric device as a toy. The 1939 article from the LA Times below gives a bit more about the background to The High Tower:
On my visit, the entryway was decorated for the holidays.
Red and green bulbs for the torch lamps, natch!
Willis I took the steps to the top.
Rather than just one set of steps, you need to take a few turns, which can provide rest stops for those not used to cardio!
Willis and I were up for the challenge! After all, we had some holiday treats to work off.
Just before you reach the top, there’s a little lookout area, complete with a bench. Willis enjoyed the view.
Almost there…
Although it may appear to be the entrance to the elevator, this particular door is for the inner workings of the contraption. Keep climbing - you’re not there yet!
A view of the street level where we began the journey:
The destination!
With no key, I had to make do with the satisfaction of seeing the tower, climbing the steps, and…
peeking through the glass for a view of the shaft:
What a great view of Hollywood!
The High Tower has been used in numerous movies, including “The Long Goodbye” (1973), “Dead Again” (1991), and an episode of “Naked City” (1961). Residents of the homes around the tower have included magician David Copperfield, author Michael Connelly, filmmaker Tim Burton, and musician Kurt Cobain.
Willis was ready for a nap by the time we got back to the car! See more Hollywood Heights High Tower photos at my main website.
8 comments:
And I thought I had seen everything in LA by now. I wonder what it costs to maintain the elevator, especially after a century of operation. With those named as owners, it's likely not of any particular concern. Amazing it's survived a few significant earthquakes in its time. A testament to its construction. KS
That's really cool! I might try to try to bum a ride off of the neighbors, but in that neighborhood I might just end up getting arrested.
Interesting history!
KS - Isn't nice to know that there's always something else for us to discover?
Stu - When you go, let me know!
"...Mountain atmosphere, without the climb*" ( * Assuming the elevator is working. ) I'd hate to come home with an armload of groceries and face those steps. I know they're not the same steps used by Laurel and Hardy to move a piano, but my mind goes there and tries to imagine how furniture is raised to that level.
Bryan - the Laurel and Hardy steps are still on my bucket list. Have you been?
No, and if you're about to ask me to join you so that we can move a piano....
How did you know I was going to ask you that?!?
Wait. What? You didn't turn around and walk through the pedestrians-only enclave? That's the best bit!
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