Los Angeles, one of the most traveled cities in the world. But just when you thought you knew it all.
Here are 6 things you (probably) didn’t know.
Downtown used to be the infamous Bunker Hill.
01.
Fill in some Today, Bunker Hill is known for its impressive skyline, featuring some of the most iconic skyscrapers of Los Angeles, such as the US Bank Tower. It's also a cultural heart of the city, home to institutions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall, an architectural marvel designed by Frank Gehry, and The Broad, a contemporary art museum housing some of the most significant post-war and contemporary art pieces.
The historic home of Los Angeles mobsters & the underground elite.
The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood was a particularly infamous area during this time. It was lined with nightclubs, casinos, and hotels, many of which were fronts for illegal gambling operations and were frequented by mobsters, movie stars, and the elite. The glamorous public image of these establishments often masked the darker activities that took place behind closed doors.
An area of the city with roots in Hollywood film noir and beyond.
In the heart of downtown Los Angeles lies a district steeped in cinematic history, where the shadows and lights of Hollywood's film noir era still linger in the air. This area, a mosaic of old and new, resonates with the echoes of a bygone era when hard-boiled detectives and enigmatic femme fatales roamed its streets. The architecture here is a testament to this rich past, with buildings like the Bradbury Building and the historic Angels Flight railway exuding a timeless charm. These structures, with their Art Deco and Beaux-Arts facades, once served as the backdrop for classic noir films, capturing the essence of a city that was as alluring as it was dangerous.
“Bunker Hill was purchased for $51 and re-architected for a then-whopping $95,000.”
KEN KENNY, LA MAYOR
n a remarkable tale of urban transformation, Bunker Hill, an iconic district in downtown Los Angeles, has its roots in a humble beginning. The land, initially acquired for a mere $51, stands as a testament to the city's early economic landscape. This modest investment, however, was the precursor to a significant metamorphosis. The area underwent a substantial architectural overhaul with an investment of $95,000, a staggering sum for the time. This redevelopment marked a pivotal moment in the history of Bunker Hill, turning it from a relatively nondescript piece of land into a cornerstone of urban development and architectural innovation in Los Angeles. This dramatic change laid the groundwork for Bunker Hill to become a symbol of growth and transformation in the heart of the city.
Bunker Hill Value
PRICE PAID
$51
DEVELOPED
$95K
CURRENT VALUE
$2.1B
You can drink in a Prohibition-era power plant.
02.
Now a beloved 1920s bar and club in what seems like decor, but is a true relic.
ChatGPT Nestled in the vibrant heart of Los Angeles, there lies a cherished establishment that transports its visitors back to the roaring 1920s. This bar and club, a beloved fixture in the city's nightlife, is more than just a themed venue; it's a genuine relic of a bygone era. The interior, adorned with authentic decor from the 1920s, exudes an ambiance of old-world charm and timeless elegance.
The Edison 108 W 2nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Edison is more than just a bar or a club; it's an experience. It's a place where history and modernity dance together under dimmed lights. It's a celebration of Los Angeles' rich past and vibrant present, a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the city's unique character. In the heart of downtown, The Edison shines bright, a timeless space where every night is a story waiting to be told.
Dodger stadium is built on land teeming with Mexican history.
03.
Dodger Stadium is more than a venue; it's a community gathering place, a hub of excitement and emotion, where the spirit of Los Angeles comes alive. It's a place where history is made and celebrated, where each game is an opportunity to be part of something larger than oneself. For Los Angeles and its people, Dodger Stadium is not just a location on a map; it's a symbol of communal pride, a beacon of enduring spirit and passion in the heart of the city.
It’s hard to imagine Los Angeles without the stadium, which now plays neighbor to bustling and diverse Eastside neighborhoods and families.