Old Bank District, Los Angeles, California
A part of the Historic Core of Los Angeles, the Old Bank District is a group of early 20th century commercial buildings, many of which have been converted to residential (loft) use. The heart of the Old Bank District is at 4th and Main Streets, where Pete's Cafe serves as an important community gathering spot.
Notable Old Bank District loft residents include or have included actor Ryan Gosling and Speaker of the California Assembly Fabian Nunez, who represents the downtown area in the California State Assembly.
In the 20th century, this area (and Spring Street, in particular) was the financial center of Los Angeles, often referred to as the "Wall Street of the West." It declined after World War II. Beginning in the late 1990s, the Old Bank District became the focal point for another concerted effort to create a livable urban residential community. These efforts were and are led by developer Tom Gilmore, who began with 3 loft conversions (the Hellman, the Continental and the San Fernando buildings). His community-building efforts have slowly become successful, and his developments include the renovation of the former Cathedral of St. Vibiana into a historically preserved events venue [1], the conversion of the Rowan building into condominiums [2], continued use of the Farmers and Merchants Bank for special events and filming, and several other community-building endeavors (including management of the Los Angeles Theater Center).
| City of Los Angeles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Topics | History · Transportation · Culture · Landmarks · Maps · Notable people · Mayors · Other elected officials |  |
| Regions | Downtown · Eastside · Harbor Area · Greater Hollywood · Westlake/Silver Lake/Los Feliz · San Fernando and Crescenta Valleys · South Los Angeles · Westside · Wilshire | |
| Downtown area, Los Angeles, California | ||
|---|---|---|
| Districts and neighborhoods |
Arts District · Bunker Hill · Chinatown · Civic Center · Fashion District · Financial District · Gallery Row · Historic Core · Jewelry District · Little Tokyo · Skid Row · South Park · Old Bank District · Toy District · Wholesale District | .jpg) |
| Points of interest |
Angels Flight · Convention Center · Music Center · Olvera Street · Staples Center | |
| Downtown · Eastside · Harbor Area · Greater Hollywood · Westlake/Silver Lake/Los Feliz · San Fernando and Crescenta Valleys · South Los Angeles · Westside · Wilshire | ||
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