8 Unbelievable Secrets Of The Bradbury Building: LA's Most Cinematic And 'Cursed' Architectural Masterpiece

Step inside The Bradbury Building in Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), and you are instantly transported to a world of Victorian elegance and futuristic noir. Built in 1893, this five-story office structure is not merely a historic landmark; it is a living, breathing piece of cinematic history and one of the most unique architectural experiences in the United States. As of December 15, 2025, the building continues to thrive, welcoming new businesses and maintaining its status as a cultural icon, proving that its dramatic, almost 'cursed' origins have been long overcome.

The building's allure lies almost entirely within its stunning inner court, a sun-drenched atrium featuring a mesmerizing geometry of open-cage elevators, ornate wrought-iron stairways, and Italian marble. This blend of opulent materials and industrial design is why it remains the oldest commercial building in central Los Angeles and why its story, from its complex commission to its role in modern film, is far stranger and more compelling than its modest red-brick exterior suggests.

The Dramatic and 'Cursed' Origin Story: Bradbury, Hunt, and Wyman

The creation of the Bradbury Building is a fascinating tale of a millionaire, a frustrated architect, and a mysterious draftsman. The story begins with Lewis L. Bradbury, a gold mining millionaire and real estate investor, who commissioned a spectacular office building in 1892.

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• Lewis L. Bradbury: The wealthy patron who made his fortune from the "Bradbury Mine" in Mexico. He wanted an architectural monument to bear his name.
• Sumner Hunt: The original, highly talented architect hired by Bradbury. Hunt completed the initial design but, for reasons that remain unclear, resigned from the project.
• George Wyman: A young, relatively unknown draftsman working in Hunt's office. Wyman was hired to take over the project after Hunt's abrupt departure.

The most compelling part of the legend is the claim that Wyman was hesitant to take the commission, fearing he would not receive proper credit. The story goes that he consulted with his deceased brother's spirit through a planchette (a tool used in séances) or a medium. The spirit allegedly commanded him to take the job, stating, "Do it, and you will be famous."

Wyman accepted, and the building was completed in 1893. While Sumner Hunt's initial vision laid the groundwork, George Wyman is credited with realizing the spectacular interior, which was reportedly inspired by Edward Bellamy's 1888 utopian science fiction novel, Looking Backward.

This unique blend of influences—wealth, resignation, the occult, and science fiction—makes the Bradbury Building's history as dramatic as any film shot within its walls.

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Architectural Marvel: The Skylit Atrium and Ornate Details

The exterior of the Bradbury Building, a relatively restrained facade of red brick and terra cotta, gives little indication of the breathtaking space inside. The building is an outstanding example of Victorian-era commercial architecture, often described as a blend of Romanesque and Italian Renaissance styles.

The interior, however, is a five-story masterpiece centered on a skylit atrium that floods the entire space with natural light. The design intent was to create a comfortable, almost residential, environment for office workers.

Key Architectural Entities and Materials:

• Wrought-Iron Stairways: The iconic, ornate open-cage elevators and the intricate, crisscrossing stairways are made of wrought iron, featuring a delicate, lace-like pattern.
• Mexican Marble: The grand staircase landings and the base of the elevator shafts are constructed from imported Mexican marble, adding a touch of old-world opulence.
• Glazed Bricks: The walls of the atrium are lined with buff-colored glazed bricks, which help reflect and amplify the light filtering down from the skylight.
• The Skylight: The massive, glass-paneled roof is the heart of the design, ensuring that even the lower floors receive ample natural light, a revolutionary concept for a commercial building of its time.

The building's enduring charm is a testament to the 1990s restoration overseen by architect Brenda Levin and developer Ira Yellin, which brought the structure back to its original glory as part of the Grand Central Square project.

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The Bradbury Building in Modern Times: New Tenants and Recent Updates

While its history is rooted in the 19th century, the Bradbury Building remains a vibrant, functional office space and a must-see for tourists. It continues to attract tenants who appreciate its unique blend of history and modern creative workspace.

Recent news confirms its ongoing relevance and maintenance:

• New Tenants (2023–2025): In late 2023, Lowney Architecture opened its Los Angeles location in the building. More recently, in May 2025, Akido Labs, a technology company, was welcomed as a new tenant, joining the building's co-working community.
• New Retail (2025): The Berkeley-based artisan bagel maker, Boichik Bagels, is tentatively scheduled to open a new store in the Bradbury Building in early June 2025. This addition further diversifies the building's use and public access.
• Recent Facade Repair: As a historic structure, maintenance is constant. An artisan was recently seen completing work to replace the red sandstone "Y" that had sloughed off the building's facade, ensuring the exterior remains structurally and aesthetically sound.

These updates, from new architectural firms to modern tech companies and artisan food vendors, highlight the building's successful transition into the 21st century while preserving its historic character.

A Hollywood Icon: The Bradbury Building's Cinematic Legacy

The unique, dramatic lighting and moody aesthetic of the Bradbury Building's atrium have made it a favorite location for filmmakers, especially in the noir, thriller, and science fiction genres. Architectural historians often note that "the movies discovered the Bradbury Building before the architectural historians did."

The building has appeared in over twenty films, television shows, and music videos, making it one of the most recognizable interiors in cinema.

Notable Appearances in Film and Television:

• Blade Runner (1982): This is arguably its most famous role, serving as the apartment of the character J.F. Sebastian. The building's futuristic-Victorian look perfectly captured the film's dystopian atmosphere, cementing its sci-fi legacy.
• Wolf (1994): The building was used as the setting for the publishing office where Jack Nicholson’s character works.
• Double Indemnity (1944): This classic film noir features the building, showcasing its moody, shadowy potential long before the sci-fi boom.
• D.O.A. (1950): Another prominent film noir, where the main character, Frank Bigelow, is seen racing up the iconic stairs.
• Lethal Weapon 4 (1998): Used as the backdrop for a crucial scene, demonstrating its versatility across genres.
• The Artist (2011): The Academy Award-winning silent film utilized the building's historical aesthetic to perfection.
• Television: It has been featured in episodes of *Quantum Leap* ("Play It Again, Seymour - April 14, 1953") and *The Outer Limits*, among many others.

The building's balconies are often used by film crews to capture dynamic, high-angle shots, leveraging the open atrium to create a sense of scale and drama.

Visiting the Living Landmark

The Bradbury Building, located at 304 South Broadway, is a National Historic Landmark and a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. While the upper floors are reserved for tenants, the first floor and the lower landings of the atrium are generally accessible to the public during regular business hours.

This level of accessibility allows visitors to walk on the marble floors, look up at the soaring skylight, and appreciate the intricate wrought-iron details, experiencing firsthand the architectural genius that George Wyman delivered, fulfilling the strange prophecy of fame. It remains a must-see destination that connects the Victorian past with a cinematic future.