Past Meets Present Walking Tour | Los Angeles Conservancy
Photos by (l-r): Larry Underhill (2); Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

Past Meets Present Walking Tour

Past Meets Present Walking Tour

Saturday, February 25, 2023 - 10:30am Register

This tour explores how the historic sites of Los Angeles' past are shaping its future. Stroll the streets of downtown as our wonderful docents show you how architectural treasures of the past became a unique location for nightlife and a growing urban population.

You’ll walk through a National Register Historic District, see how the “Wall Street of the West” has transformed through the years, and witness how historic buildings continue to serve the community through new uses. Learn how a former bank became the world-famous Last Bookstore, an abandoned streetcar terminal was transformed into a luxury apartment complex, and other pre-1930s office buildings became popular bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Note: Click on the getting there tab for more information about our Covid-19 safety policies. 

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Los Angeles Conservancy recognizes the Gabrieliño Tongva as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land, water, and natural resources in the unceded territory of Los Angeles.

Walk-ins Not Accepted
Meeting Location

Will be sent upon registration 

Covid-19 Safety and Important Policies
  • Tour will run rain or shine.
  • Masks will continue to be required when entering indoor spaces during the tour.
  • Social distancing of at least six feet should be maintained between L.A. Conservancy docents, staff, and other individuals who have not been isolating together. 
  • You can change your reservation date if you contact us at info@laconservancy.org at least 24 hours before your original reservation date.
  • No pets.
  • This tour is not recommended for young children.
  • Strollers not recommended.
  • If a member of your party is in a wheelchair, please let us know in advance by emailing info@laconservancy.org.
All participants in the Los Angeles Conservancy-sponsored Walking Tours knowingly and freely accept and assume all risks, both known and unknown, and AGREE TO RELEASE, DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, NOT SUE, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Los Angeles Conservancy, its principals, officers, employees, volunteers, sponsors, agents and other participants from any and all claims, damages (including medical expenses and attorneys’ fees), injuries and expenses arising out of, or resulting from your voluntary attendance/participation in Walking Tours.
 

Featured Location(s)

Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy
John Parkinson

Continental Building

Known as the first skyscraper in downtown L.A., the lavishly decorated 1904 Beaux-Arts style tower remained the city's tallest office building until the late 1950s.
Photo courtesy Big Orange Landmarks
John Parkinson

Alexandria Hotel

Constructed in 1906 at the then almost unheard of cost of $2 million, the hotel then added a large addition in 1911. The addition included a beautiful banquet hall with a spectacular stained-glass ceiling, now known as the Palm Court.
Photo from Conservancy archives
Alfred F. Rosenheim

Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Built in 1903 and the largest individual investment for an office building in Los Angeles at the time, the building was acquired and renovated in 1976 making it the first major step in revitalizing Spring Street.
Photo by Richard Langendorf
Morgan & Walls

Barclay Hotel

The Van Nuys Hotel was one of the finest hotels in Los Angeles upon opening, and the first to provide telephone and electric service to every room.