Continental Building

The Continental Building is a 13-story high-rise with Beaux-Arts detailing, ornamental terra cotta elements, pronounced cornices, pediments, and decorative lion heads adorning its facade. The structure displays layered craftsmanship with these embellished features running across multiple levels.

The structure was designed in 1903 by architect John Parkinson and was initially the tallest building in Los Angeles. Within four years, the Security Building surpassed its height, marking a shift in the city's skyline.

The building represents how Downtown Los Angeles functioned as an early financial hub where banks and businesses created a thriving commercial district. Its ornate architectural details reflect an era when such structures expressed prosperity and progress.

The building sits on South Spring Street in an area with several historic structures within walking distance. Today it houses residential lofts with modern amenities, allowing for observation from street level.

The building was among the first high-rises in Los Angeles before a height restriction introduced in 1905 redefined the city's growth. This regulation made it a turning point in the city's construction history.

Location: California

Inception: 1903

Architects: The Parkinsons

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Floors above the ground: 13

GPS coordinates: 34.04860,-118.24800

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:02