Spring Street Financial District

Spring Street Financial District stretches along South Spring Street from Fourth to Seventh Street, containing 23 financial structures and three hotels arranged in tight blocks. The buildings display ornate Beaux-Arts facades with high windows, elaborate stone details, and ground-level storefronts that once served banking operations.

The district emerged between 1890 and 1930 as Los Angeles' financial center, earning the nickname Wall Street of the West when numerous banks established headquarters there. This period marked the city's early economic boom as banking activity helped drive its rapid growth.

The Beaux-Arts buildings now host art galleries and creative studios that have transformed this former banking center into a thriving art destination. Walking through the streets, you notice galleries occupying historic storefronts and artists using the grand architecture as working spaces.

Several Metro Rail stations serve the district directly, making it easy to reach and navigate between different blocks. Guided walking tours are available for visitors who want a thorough exploration of the architecture and history.

Thomas Edison filmed his 60-second production 'South Spring Street Los Angeles California' here in 1898, making this location the birthplace of early Los Angeles cinematography. The film remains a rare documentation of the street during the city's founding era before it became a banking hub.