Back to the Cross Roads

From the first time I discovered this vintage shopping center on Sunset Boulevard I have been fascinated by it. The Cross Roads of the World just needs a little revitalization to wake it up and draw the people in. From what I have read, it appears that might be happening in the near future.

In the meantime, here's a vintage 1940's image of it:



A closer look at the Directory:



More Sunset Boulevard Cross Roads of the World photos at my main website.

Vintage Cross Roads of the World

This 1940s image shows the Cross Roads of the World center off of Sunset Boulevard. Zooming in you can see the office of Don Martin School of Radio Arts and a Medical Building. Wonder what field of Medicine?



A contemporary shot of the same area. The structures survived (and still look damn good!), but the tree in front of the Medical Building did not.



More vintage Hollywood at my main website.

Early Morning at The Crossroads

Yesterday I dumped you off at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament on Sunset Boulevard, which is next door to today's subject, the Crossroads of the World. This eclectic mix of architecture has become one of my favorite "new" locations to shoot in Hollywood. You can see the tower of the Church looming over the green neon sign that was still lit during my early morning run/photo shoot.



Here's the copy from a vintage ad touting this unique shopping center that opened in 1936:

The Smart Shopping Center on Busy Sunset Boulevard

The CROSSROADS OF THE WORLD brings to you such an ideal location — in the HEART of HOLLYWOOD, one of the busiest shopping centers in the world!



It offers to the real merchant an opportunity to place himself in the midst of a group dealing in the interesting things of all lands, and yet away from the distractions of modern traffic.



Here in one artistic group of shops and studios, in a setting of natural beauty, will be displayed the goods and services of the world.



Here at the very core of one of the busiest shopping districts in the world, one can step into the quiet calm of Old World streets, away from the rush and confusion of traffic, and shop to the heart's content.



I wish I'd been able to shop here while it was still an interesting world market. I can only imagine what they had for sale here.





Venus de Milo…Crossroads of the World-Style!



See more Daveland Crossroads of the World photos at my main website.

Watts Towers

Another bucket list item was crossed off when I finally made it to The Watts Towers in Los Angeles. Designed and built by Italian immigrant construction worker and tile mason Sabato Rodia, over a period of 33 years, from 1921-1954, this wacky collection of towers made of steel, concrete, porcelain, tile, and just about everything besides the kitchen sink has always fascinated me…from photos. I was excited to experience them in person.



In 1955, Rodia 'quit claimed' his property to a neighbor and left, frustrated from battling the city for permits. He moved to Martinez, California and never returned, passing away ten years later.



I have to admit I was slightly disappointed when I saw them. For some reason, I expected there to be more land around them, but they are smack dab in the middle of a residential neighborhood. I also didn't expect them to be fenced in, especially by a fence that is very closely constructed to the towers themselves. Still, I do understand the need for the fence, as otherwise this amazing piece of architecture would probably not survive the threat of vandalism.



When Rodia's bungalow inside the towers was burned down, the City of Los Angeles condemned the structure and ordered it to be destroyed. Actor Nicholas King and film editor William Cartwright purchased the property in 1959 for $2,000 in order to preserve it. King, Cartwright, architects, artists, enthusiasts, academics, and other community activists formed the 'Committee for Simon Rodia's Towers in Watts,' negotiating with the city to allow for an engineering test to establish the safety of the structures and avoid their demolition.



On October 10, 1959, steel cable was attached to each Tower and a crane was used to exert lateral force all connected to a 'load-force' meter. Unable to topple or even shift the Towers with the forces applied, the test was concluded when the crane experienced mechanical failure. As a result, the Towers have served as an influence for stability and endurance in architecture. Not bad for an unsafe condemned structure!



The Committee preserved the Towers independently until 1975 when they partnered with the City of Los Angeles, who then partnered with the State of California in 1978. They are now operated by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department and curated by the Watts Towers Arts Center/Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center.



I didn't have time to take the tour, so that still remains on my bucket list.

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, here are photos of Walt Disney World's homage to the Cross Roads of the World in Hollywood:







See more Daveland Watts Towers photos at my main website.

Cross Roads of the World

Hollywood (and often California for that matter) is known for being a little wacky, kind of like that kooky aunt who you really like hanging out with because she's so much fun, even if she is a little eccentric. A little gem I finally got around to photographing is called the Cross Roads of the World, located on Sunset Boulevard.



A blend of Moderne and Old World Architecture, the architect of this 1936 complex was Robert V. Derrah.



I told you…just a little wacky. This pelican is located near the anchor building...



which was designed to look like an ocean liner.



Love this tile mural:





Of course the doors on the anchor building are the most brilliant red.



The original purpose of this complex was for it to be a mini world bazaar, with restaurants and merchandise from the four corners of the world. Thus, the name.



Today, it is used as a rather unique office complex for those in "the business."





Next time you're in Hollywood, check this little gem out.

See more Daveland Sunset Boulevard Hollywood photos at my main website.