Seemingly otherworldly light filters into this architectural fantasy, one of the world's great interiors.

by Kim Cooper

The Background
Lewis Bradbury, mining millionaire and one of L.A.'s earliest developers, wanted his final office building to be the best. Legend has it he was charmed by the futuristic sketches of draftsman George Wyman and hired the kid instead of his boss, Sumner Hunt. Wyman panicked, but when a Ouija board brought him encouragement from his deceased brother, he took the commission. It would prove to be his only significant building--and an undisputed masterpiece.

The Appeal
The light inside this 1893 glass-roofed, five-story Italianate block ranks among the most beautiful visual effects ever achieved. Exquisite cast ironwork and openwork elevator cages bring mechanistic fantasy to the surprisingly narrow lobby. You'll have little company but the security guard enjoying the mysteriously hazy light in this thankfully obscure attraction.

02/21/03

Beautirul

by izelmorena

Breath taking architecture and Detail. this is the place to go and photograph if you love retro buildings. Beautifully kept and absolutely stunning to look at. Spend the day touring LA. Just behind and to the right of the building is a tribute to Grandma Mason an African-American woman pioneer. Grand Central Market is close by, so stop by and shop for fresh fruit and teas or stay for lunch.

• Pros: Historic, Location, architecture