BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. -- Though not as well known worldwide as Rodeo
Drive and many of the
celebrities who live nearby, Beverly
Hills City Hall is as big a star as
any with its unique Spanish
Renaissance architecture that
includes a tiled dome and gilded
cupola seen from a distance. Since
1932 the landmark on Rexford Drive
has symbolized government with its
towering eight-story presence
designed to represent commerce.
Architect William Gage created the
building in typical government style
of his era. Inside the elegant, yet
slightly dark terrazzo floors,
marble walls and intricate ceilings
provide a feeling of stepping into a
different world.
Beverly Hills City Hall may never
have happened. As if Los Angeles
wasn't big enough, in 1923 that city
tried to annex the Beverly Hills
land. Residents such as actor Will
Rogers (who later became the City's
first mayor) and Mary Pickford took
on the battle of fighting L.A.'s
City Hall--and through their
campaign efforts and favorable vote,
they won. The City Hall complex is
open to the public. Go take a look
the next time you're in town!