Broadway Federal Bank - Mid-City

Broadway Federal Bank, Mid-City. 1966.  Architect, Paul R. Williams

This particular branch of Broadway Federal Bank was designed by renowned architect, Paul R. Williams and opened in 1966.  Williams was well known for his architectural designs of prominent public buildings as well as private homes in the Los Angeles area.

Williams had his hand in designing so many iconic properties in L.A., such as The Theme Building at LAX, the coffee shop at the Beverly Hills Hotel (along with that fantastic palm leaf wallpaper), the Cocoanut Grove at the now demolished Ambassador Hotel, Chasen's Restaurant in West Hollywood, Perino's Restaurant in Mid-Wilshire, Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company, MCA/Litton Industries in Beverly Hills, Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills....I could go on and on.  Needless to say, he was a giant in the development of Los Angeles.

I heard a rumor....I hope it's only a rumor....that this particular branch of the Broadway Federal Bank may be threatened.  I certainly hope it is not!  The Orchard Supply & Hardware (OSH) next door to the Bank is closing soon.  Also, the nearby Maria's Coffee Shop, attached to the World on Wheels and Mid-Town Lanes bowling alley have recently closed. Maybe that is why this rumor started.  Williams is too important of a figure in the history of Los Angeles architecture for any more of his buildings to be demolished.

Let me know if you've heard anything about this rumor.

Los Angeles architect, Paul Revere Williams