1927-1928; Walker & Eisen
617 S. Olive, Los Angeles
Originally the home of the haberdashery, "Alexander & Oviatt". At the very top is a bungalow penthouse built by Mr. Oviatt for his personal use. On the Art Deco Walking Tour (L.A. Conservency), we were lucky enough to get a tour of the penthouse.
James Oviatt attended the famous 1925 Paris Exposition and was so taken by the new look that he decided to have his building back in L.A. built in the Moderne style. He hired french designer Rene Lalique for his largest commission ever. The lobby forecourt along contained 30 tons of Lalique glass!! The elevator doors and mailbox were also designed by him as well as the windows in the penthouse.