Cheap In LA: Bradbury Building Has History, Mystery

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — It's one of the most famous buildings in Los Angeles.

The Bradbury Building (304 Broadway, 90013) is an architectural jewel located in the heart of downtown.

The building is full of history and has a story to tell. It's also not a very expensive tale. For KCAL9, Sharon Tay reports for "Cheap In LA."

She suggests a trip to the Bradbury will not only entertain but will delight as well.

The building was commissioned in 1893 by Lewis L. Bradbury, an LA millionaire made rich by mining investments. It was designed by George H. Wyman -- he got approval to work on the designs by his brother. His sibling had been dead six years. Wyman used a medium.

Kashi Bali, director of the property, said, "Apparently George got the message from his brother to go ahead with the project. He said designing the building would make him famous. And here we are. He is pretty famous."

The building has been featured in dozens of Hollywood movies including the sci-fi classic "Blade Runner" and the critically-acclaimed "The Artist." The building has also been showcased in "Pay It Forward," "Chinatown," and "Lethal Weapon 4." The Bradbury is also prominently featured in Janet Jackson's video for "Rhythm Nation 1814."

Five hundred people come to visit the historical landmark daily. Many come to see the unique design, some for artistic inspiration, others to see the building made famous in so many movies, videos, books and photos.

Filmmaker  Chad McClurnon is a fan.  "You start to kind of wander around and physically ... you're thinking of what kind of stories could be told here. The building itself is a work of art."

The building is free to the public (brochures and tours available) and open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.