Los Angeles

America’s second largest city was once referred to as 128 communities in search of a city because there was no defining city center. That has changed. It is still the world headquarters of the freeway with no less than thirty separately named arteries which are the lifeblood of southern California (more automobiles are registered in Los Angeles County than in all of Russia). Palm trees, beaches, movie stars and the birthplace of Disney, L.A. is the most unique gathering of people you will ever find anywhere.

In 1904 the city limited the height of Class A buildings to 130 feet (extended to 150 feet in 1911). The limits impacted all steel-frame and reinforced buildings. As a result of the ordinance, Parkinson's "skyscraper" design for the Braly Block remained the tallest building in the city for more than 50 years. The one exception was Los Angeles City Hall, which was exempt from these limitations by public vote. The height limtiation was to keep Los Angeles more "low-rise" and open; to avoid the "Manhattanization" of the city; to ensure more sunlight and fewer shadows on the streets. Earthquake concerns likely kept the ordinance in place longer than otherwise but the limitation was lifted in 1957, though heights are still restricted by lot size and zoning regulations.

Today, with engineering having come a long way, the skyline has been transformed into a kind of New York West. Time will tell if the "new" L.A. can really withstand the rigors of an 8.5 quake. Until then, L.A. is a vibrant city fresh with the spirit of optimism and loads of sunshine. It’s like no place on earth.