Garfield Building, Art Deco skyscraper in Los Angeles, United States

The Garfield Building is an Art Deco skyscraper in Los Angeles with 13 floors rising to about 187 feet, finished in cream-colored terracotta cladding. The upper levels step back in a U-shaped configuration that gives the tower its distinctive silhouette when viewed from the street.

Built between 1928 and 1930 by architect Claud Beelman, this structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It was completed during Los Angeles' period of rapid expansion, just before economic changes reshaped the city.

The building embodies Art Deco design principles that shaped downtown Los Angeles during the early 20th century. Visitors can see this style reflected in the geometric details and decorative elements that cover the facade, making it a visual record of how people wanted their buildings to look during that era.

The building is located at 403 West 8th Street and is easy to view from outside since its distinctive facade is visible from street level. Pay attention to the lower levels and entrance area where most of the decorative details can be seen clearly.

The lobby's twenty-foot plaster ceiling carries a low bas-relief pattern, lit by Gothic-style chandeliers in gold and silver tones. Polished nickel fittings and display cases survive from the 1930 office building. The Los Angeles Downtown News later listed the vacant Garfield among downtown's "Ten Worst Eyesores".