Image courtesy of the collection of J. Eric Lynxwiler.

Preservationist Steven Luftman will give a live illustrated Zoom presentation on the E. Clem Wilson building, the towering commercial building at Wilshire and La Brea, designed by Meyer & Holler (Egyptian and Chinese theatres) and built between 1929 and 1930. Following the presentation, we encourage a discussion about development and preservation in the Miracle Mile district. We will also explain how you can get involved in helping to preserve this building for future generations to enjoy.

It is the tower that marks the gateway to developer A.W. Ross' Miracle Mile, but it has never been landmarked!  Many know it as the building with the faded blue former advertising cap on top. The number of historic buildings in Miracle Mile is dwindling due to development and the historic district designation is in jeopardy.

The Art Deco Society of Los Angeles has submitted a nomination to the City of Los Angeles in an effort to gain Historic Cultural Monument designation for the E. Clem Wilson Building, a 12-story Art Deco-style office tower with setbacks, designed and constructed by the acclaimed Master design-build firm of Meyer & Holler (they also built Mr. Wilson's Fremont Place home). This building was the second of three tall towers that defined the Miracle Mile district before World War II.

The lot that the E. Clem Wilson Building now occupies, was the location of the Wilshire Highland Square tract sales office in 1922. When E. Clem Wilson purchased the lot for a then record $420,000 in 1928, it was also inhabited by a Gilmore automobile service station.

This event is free to the public, but you must register in order to get the Zoom link. Only one registration is required per device that you plan to view the program on.

E. Clem Wilson Building 2024.