CBS Columbia Square
CBS Columbia Square is a significant example of the International Style in Los Angeles, and the only work by nationally renowned architect William Lescaze on the West Coast. In 1937, Lescaze was hired by the head of CBS, William Paley, to design a new West Coast headquarters for the Columbia Broadcasting System. The new facility was intended to create a prominent CBS presence in Hollywood, and to show that CBS was “a progressive and innovative company in a progressive industry.” The site was designated City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #947 in 2009, and has been formally determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
The Columbia Square site is the subject of a rehabilitation and new construction project. Historic Resources Group has been involved with the project since the entitlement process in 2008. HRG prepared a CEQA technical report analyzing the impacts of the project and identifying appropriate mitigation measures. Following approval of the project, HRG worked with the property owner to prepare a Mills Act application, and developed a Historic Structure Report that identifies the significant character-defining features of the historic building and provides guidance for its future treatment. In accordance with the mitigation measures, HRG thoroughly documented the building according to HABS standards, and served as design consultant and construction monitor during implementation of the project to ensure that all design decisions were compatible with the historic building and consistent with historic preservation requirements.
Above: Photo by Tavo Olmos.
Side: Historic photos courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library.
