When you think of the L.A. Lakers and Kings, what else do you think about?
Chick Hearn, the "voice" of the Lakers? Maybe. Magic Johnson
and Wayne Gretzky. Perhaps. How about the Great Western Forum.
Formerly called the "Fabulous Forum" b.s. (before sponsorship),
the Forum sports tremendous architecture. Hopefully this site isn't destined
for Roadside Peek's Retrolook and will remain here in the Historical Sites
section for decades to come.
Firestone Marquee
City of Commerce, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
St. Vibiana's Cathedral (Closed)
Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The next building was built in 1876 and was home to such dignitaries
as the Pope and President Clinton. However, in 1996, the Catholic Archdiocese
of Los Angeles decided to demolish the St. Vibiana's Cathedral and build a brand new state-of-the-art cathedral in its place. The Los
Angeles Conservancy rode in to its rescue and now, two lawsuits later,
Cardinal Mahoney decided to sell St. Vibiana's instead of razing it and
selected another parcel of land for the new cathedral. Another major victory
for the L.A. Conservancy.
Union Station interior Photo courtesy Rod Holcomb
Union Station was built in 1939 by three railroad companies, Union
Pacific, Southern Pacific, and Santa Fe. Currently, Union Station serves
Metrolink, Amtrak, and Metrorail "Red Line" trains and has seen
a resurgence in popularity of sorts.
New to the station is the Gateway
Center, a place of shops, restaurants, and offices, which opened in October
1995. Stepping inside the station, visitors and travelers
alike marvel at the restored wood seating (1992), marble floors, 50 foot
ceilings, and Spanish/Moorish architecture.
Union Station
Los Angeles, CA Photo courtesy Sal Garcia
Here's a recent shot of the Union Station featuring its familiar night
glow.
Here's a shot of the interior of the Union Station.
Terminal Annex 1998
Los Angeles, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Located across the street from Union Station is the Terminal Annex,
formerly the Post Office.
The Forum
St. Vibiana's Cathedral (Closed)
Union Station interior
New to the station is the Gateway
Center, a place of shops, restaurants, and offices, which opened in October
1995. Stepping inside the station, visitors and travelers
alike marvel at the restored wood seating (1992), marble floors, 50 foot
ceilings, and Spanish/Moorish architecture.
Terminal Annex 1998
