top of page
Hollywood’s first 50 years, until the freeway paved paradise in 1954


Hollywood Warner Theatre Has Been Vacant Since 2013. Here’s Why
With the news that the activist fighting for the Cinerama Dome’s reopening has been silenced, take a look at Robertson Properties Group’s other vacant historic property: Warner Bros. Theatre, also known as the Hollywood Warner and Hollywood Pacific.
Apr 11


Paul Hesse Studio on the Sunset Strip
All of the Hollywood stars came to Paul Hesse’s Studio to be photographed: Carole Lombard, Bette Davis, Lana Turner, Judy Garland, Hedy Lamarr, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Shirley Temple, Gene Tierney, Lauren Bacall, and on and on.
Sep 17, 2025


The Freezer Ice Cream Stand
The 14-foot ice cream bucket sold Samarkand French Ice Cream Supreme at locations all over Los Angeles.
Aug 6, 2025


Why the Hollywood Sign Once Had a Pool
In the 1940s, Don Lee's experimental television station operated from the top of the Hollywood Sign.
Jun 30, 2025


Zebra Room: Town House Hotel’s Exotic Nightclub
Hollywood went absolutely wild for the Zebra Room, a swanky nightclub inside the Town House on Wilshire Boulevard and Commonwealth...
Apr 6, 2025


Ciro’s on the Sunset Strip
“The most attractive nightclub Hollywood has ever known” opened its doors at 8433 Sunset Boulevard in 1940.
Feb 22, 2025


I. Magnin: Hollywood’s High-Class Shopping Experience
In 1923, Hollywood’s latest triumph was I. Magnin, “a beautiful edifice dedicated to the women of this thriving community.”
Nov 11, 2024


Fred C. Thomson Building: The Court of the Olive Tree
Through an archway on Sunset Boulevard is the Court of the Olive Tree, named for the sapling planted here in 1927.
Oct 9, 2024


Grand Opening of the Hollywood Roosevelt’s Pool
In 1950, the Hollywood Roosevelt expanded with a million-dollar tropical resort and pool.
Jul 4, 2024


Cafe Montmartre: Hollywood’s First Nightclub
Uncover the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's golden age at Cafe Montmartre. Discover its star-studded history and iconic celeb clientele.
Jun 13, 2024


House of Westmore: Hollywood’s Salon of Beauty
In 1935, brothers Monte, Ern, Perc, and Wally Westmore opened their luxurious beauty salon on Sunset Boulevard.
May 15, 2024


Prudence Yarn Shop
In the 1930s, Hollywood women shopped for the latest knit trends at the boutique at 6521 Hollywood Boulevard.
Mar 13, 2024


Crane’s Art Deco Showroom
Crane’s Hollywood showroom displayed the latest in modern plumbing.
Jan 23, 2024


Hollywood's First Ballroom
The Hollywood Roof Ballroom was located on Vine Street, right in the heart of Movieland.
Jan 5, 2024


Cinegrill: Roosevelt Hotel’s Film-Themed Hotspot
Hollywood Roosevelt hotspot Cinegrill paid tribute to the motion picture industry of past, present, and future.
Dec 18, 2023


Baine Building: Hollywood’s First Penthouse
Go inside the historic Baine Building and Hollywood's first penthouse at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Whitley Avenue.
Dec 14, 2023


Disney’s Hollywood Hills Campus That Never Was
In 1964, Walt Disney imagined an enchanting 26-acre Hollywood campus for CalArts in the hills near the Hollywood Bowl.
Nov 30, 2023


The Mandarin Market (1929-1982)
The most unique place to shop in Hollywood was the Mandarin Market, characterized by pagodas, red lacquer roof, and hand-carved dragons.
Oct 10, 2023


Bell & Howell’s Hollywood Headquarters
The Art Deco building, by architect Marshall P. Wilkinson, was a showroom, service plant, and research facility for cinematographers.
Aug 1, 2023


Chapeaux de Mode: Hollywood Hat Shop
The most beautiful hats on Hollywood Boulevard could be found at Chapeaux de Mode.
Jun 20, 2023
bottom of page