Sketch Together At Home: The Eastern Columbia Building

The Eastern Columbia Building
Completed: September 12, 1930
Architect: Claud Beelman

The Eastern Columbia Building, also known as the Eastern Columbia Lofts, is a thirteen story Art Deco building designed by Claud Beelman located at 849 S. Broadway in the Broadway Theater District of Downtown Los Angeles. It opened on September 12, 1930 after just nine months of construction. It was built at a cost of $1.25 million as the new headquarters and 39th store for the Eastern-Columbia Department Store, whose component Eastern and Columbia stores were founded by Adolph Sieroty and family. At the time of construction, the City of Los Angeles enforced a height limit of 150 feet, however the decorative clock tower was granted an exemption, allowing the clock a total height of 264 feet.

The edifice is easily spotted from the Interstate 10 - Santa Monica Freeway, as well as many other sections of downtown, due to its bright "melting turquoise" terra cotta tiles and trademark four-sided clock tower, emblazoned with the word "EASTERN" in bright white neon on each face of the clock.

The building is widely considered the greatest surviving example of Art Deco architecture in the city. It is one of the city's most photographed structures and a world-renowned Art Deco landmark. The Eastern Columbia Building is a designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument.

You know the drill:
1. Select one of the images.
2. Using any medium you like, sketch one or all the images. Include the kids!
3. Snap a photo of your illustration and post it to your Instagram page with your location, a little something about yourself and the following tags by Monday, August 10th:

@icaa_socal
#sketchtogetherathome

Thank you to all of our participants! Please let everyone know, this is not limited to members only. All are welcome to join in the fun!

By participating in the Sketch Together Event you are giving permission for the ICAA SoCal Chapter to publish your sketch on its website, eblasts, and social media for promotional and educational purposes, with the appropriate credit.