Downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Higgins Building
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 18, 2023
1. Higgins Building Marker
Beaux-arts style. A.L. Haley, architect. A.C. Martin, engineer. Built 1910. Declared 2007, Historic-Cultural Monument No. 873, Cultural Heritage Commission, City of Los Angeles.
Erected 2007 by City of Los Angeles. (Marker Number 873.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 34° 3.07′ N, 118° 14.692′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Downtown Los Angeles. Marker is at the intersection of 2nd Street and Main Street, on the left when traveling west on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 108 W 2nd St, Los Angeles CA 90012, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Vibiana’s Cathedral (within shouting distance of this marker); Historical Site (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Douglas Building (about 700 feet away); Los Angeles Times (about 700 feet away); Los Angeles City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Irvine-Byrne Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel Ellison Onizuka
this page online
Regarding Higgins Building. The building is a concrete framed building, completed in 1910 by owner Thomas Higgins, an Irish American. The 10-story building was originally used for office space. Although designed as an eight story building, it was decided during construction to add two additional floors in order to be the tallest building in the city centre. It was designed with natural air conditioning, using a ventilation shaft that allowed sunshine and fresh air to filter into offices. The Los Angeles Times reported in 2006: "The building's grand size, marble-lined hallways, zinc-lined doors and window frames, black-and-white mosaic tile lobby and 'wholesome and healthful' water -- purified through filters in the sub-basement -- attracted prominent businessmen. Albert C. Martin, who would emerge as one of the most successful architects and structural engineers in Southern California, based his company there for 35 years." The Higgins Building basement contained the city's first privately owned power plant. The building housed the Los Angeles County Engineer Department for 25 years from 1952
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 18, 2023
2. Higgins Building Marker
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 18, 2023
3. Higgins Building Marker
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 18, 2023
4. Higgins Building Entry Floor Tile
Photographed By Craig Baker, June 18, 2023
5. Higgins Building
courtesy The Edison
6. The Edison
A private nightclub in the basement, with electrical power generating equipment on display.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 15, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 20, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 20, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on January 5, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
