Fred C. Thomson Building: The Court of the Olive Tree
- Oct 9, 2024
- 3 min read
Through an archway on Sunset Boulevard is the Court of the Olive Tree, named for the imported sapling planted here at the groundbreaking ceremony on June 20, 1927 … and yes, where it still stands today.
Silent film cowboy Fred C. Thomson commissioned Gogerty & Weyl (Baine Building, Hollywood Playhouse) to design what was originally known as the Spanish Shopping Studios, an artistic court devoted exclusively to unusual commerce. Also referred to as the Fred Thomson Shopping Court and the Fred C. Thomson Building, it fronts 200 feet along Sunset Boulevard just east of Seward Street.
All construction on the $100,000 building was done around the olive tree stationed in the center of what would become a lush landscaped court. Beside it, Thomson added a whimsical wishing well that doubled as a fountain: water flowed down from the suspended bucket.
