I participated in this virtual tour on February 2, and thought it was really interesting – the LA Conversancy is repeating it twice this month, because of it’s popularity. I learned so much more about an architect I thought I knew a fair amount about, including three buildings with which I am familiar, but had no idea Paul Williams had designed. The Conservancy did an excellent job highlighting the voices of Black architects with pre-recorded, concise stories about how Williams influenced their career.
Click here for ticketing and further details on Paul Revere Was Here: A Virtual Tour, led by L.A. Conservancy docents, featuring SoCal NOMA voices will take you on the trail of architect Paul Revere Williams, providing in-depth highlights about Williams’ incredible life and work. In a trailblazing career that spanned nearly six decades, Paul Williams designed more than ** 2,000 ** structures in L.A. County. His mastery of architectural styles ran the gamut, from Colonial to Tudor to Modern, and the types of buildings he designed were just as varied. From lavish homes for Hollywood movie stars to affordable homes, public housing, and a host of civic buildings, his imprint on L.A.’s built environment cannot be overstated.
He also paved the way for Black architects struggling to gain a foothold in a deeply discriminatory system. As the first Black architect admitted to the AIA, he broke racial barriers and triumphed over racism, channeling the frustrations of discrimination and setbacks into a ferocious dedication to push his skills further.
The LA Conservancy’s Modern Skyline Walking Tour is a fun way to learn about the buildings in the old parts of downtown. It’s back on the schedule, presumably because it’s Covid-safe – you’ll be walking outside around the Bunker Hill area of DTLA, at night, to learn about the history of the buildings. I did it a few years back, and loved it.
These have started up again in person and you can consider going on Saturday, February 12, 2022 – 10:30am.
Here is the event description and click here to learn more about the buildings you’ll visit (from the outside).
Think skyscrapers aren’t historic? Think again! After seeing how downtown L.A. has evolved over the past century, you’ll see our beloved skyline in a whole new way.
How did a Victorian neighborhood become a booming hub of commerce and finance? Learn the fascinating story of Bunker Hill’s evolution, explore some of L.A.’s newest landmarks, and see how old and new architecture co-exists.
You’ll get up close to the public art tucked away within the plazas of these sleek high-rises, and see details that you’ve never noticed before.
