Respectable men shopped at the Chicago Clothing Company. They did so at the Phillips Block, at the corner of Spring and Franklin, in Downtown Los Angeles.
The year was 1890.
Photo from USC Digital Library
10 thoughts on “Archiving Angeles (AA): The Phillips Block”
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What a beautiful old building!
I’m relieved to learn that this magnificent landmark was destroyed by fire. If it had to go, better that than the wrecking ball to put up a parking lot.
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned it recently, but I love these AA posts.
@will campbell
where did you find info about a fire destroying this building?
Jesus H. Christ, that thing was gorgeous. Jason, these posts shine a light on LA’s shameful lack of historic preservation. Thank you so much for the context & the history.
@angelo, Larry Harnisch’s indispensible Daily Mirror Blog at latimes.com has a great post on the building:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2008/07/spring-street-4.html
who says LA has no history. Ditto love the AA series!
@willcampbell
thanks much. very enjoyable read.
Michele, in this case the loss of Phillip’s Block is not the city’s fault. The building, while beautiful was long considered a poorly constructed firetrap and burned down in an arson-set fire in 1912.
Honestly, I was going to comment as two others did and say how much I love these Archiving Angeles posts too. What the hell…I love these Archiving Angeles posts! The photos are gorgeous and enlightening. I love this building!