Eastern Columbia Building

Turquoise terra cotta tiles cover the thirteen-story facade, accented with gold trim and topped by a four-sided clock tower rising to 264 feet (80 meters), creating a distinctive presence along Broadway near Ninth Street.

Built in 1930 for $1.25 million, the tower served as headquarters for two retail clothing companies until 1957, then underwent decades of changing uses before developer Ira Yellin purchased and converted it into residential condominiums during 2004 through 2007.

This structure stands as one of the finest examples of Art Deco design on the West Coast, reflecting the optimism and commercial ambition of Los Angeles during the interwar period through its geometric forms and bold vertical emphasis.

Located at 849 South Broadway at Ninth Street, the building is accessible via Metro lines serving downtown. The structure houses 147 private condominiums with amenities including a rooftop pool and fitness center, though public access is limited to exterior viewing from street level.

The clock tower received special exemption from the city's 150-foot (46-meter) height limit enacted in 1911, allowing an additional 114 feet (35 meters) of construction and making this among the tallest structures in Los Angeles during its era.

Location: Los Angeles

Inception: September 12, 1930

Architects: Claud Wilbur Beelman

Official opening: September 12, 1930

Architectural style: Art Deco

Floors above the ground: 13

Address: South Broadway

Website: http://easterncolumbialofts.com

GPS coordinates: 34.04275,-118.25623

Latest update: December 12, 2025 18:14