Builders Exchange Building | Los Angeles Conservancy
Photo by Adrian Scott Fine/L.A. Conservancy

Builders Exchange Building

The Builders Exchange Building is one of Santa Ana's most important historic commercial structures. Designed by local architect C. A. Landsdowne, the two-story, Beaux Arts building is significant for its contribution to the Downtown Santa Ana Historic District, as well as for its quality of construction and association with the city's early building industry.

The building was intended as a showcase for the talents of the Orange County Builders Exchange, a trade organization responsible for developing the county's building codes and regulations. All of the construction and subcontract work on the building was completed by members of the Builders Exchange and used the most up-to-date techniques and materials available, such as steel construction, plate glass, composition roofing, and gas steam heat.

The building underwent a major renovation after a serious fire damaged the interior in 1983. Yet the exterior has remained largely intact, and the Conservancy holds an easement that protects the original façade.

In 2020 a full rehabilitation of the Builders Exchange Building was completed by Swinertown who uses the building for their Orange County operations. 

Garfield Building
Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

Garfield Building

This twelve-story structure gracefully combines Art Deco geometry and the floral swirl of the Art Nouveau style.
Ennis House
Photo by Adrian Scott Fine/L.A. Conservancy

Ennis House

The last and largest of Frank Lloyd Wright’s four “textile block” houses was designed by the father and built by the famed architect's son Lloyd.
Photo by Annie Laskey/L.A. Conservancy

Globe Theatre/Garland Building

Built as a combination office tower and theatre venue, the 1913 Beaux Arts-style Garland Building was designed by Morgan, Walls & Morgan. Built for full-scale live theatre productions, the interior was designed by Alfred F. Rosenheim.