Glendale Landmarks

Alex Theatre (1925)

216 N. Brand Blvd. The Neo-Greek, Egyptian, and art deco elements distinguish this theatre, with its landmark marquee tower. Designed by Selkirk and Lindley, the city Bought by the City of Glendale and restored in 1993 to become a venue for performing arts and films. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ard Eevin (1903)

Ard Eevin (in Gaelic, “Heavenly View”) was built in 1903 for Dan Campbell, a civic leader and business partner of Leslie C. Brand. The house was designed by Nathaniel Dryden, Brand's brother-in-law. Dryden also designed Brand Castle (El Miradero). The house is eclectic in design, containing elements of Colonial, Craftsman, and Victorian style. It is listed on The National Register of Historic Places and is considered, architecturally, to be unique within the United States.

Casa Adobe De San Rafael (c. 1871)

1330 Dorothy Drive. The home of Tomas Sanchez, the first sheriff of Los Angeles County, and his family. It was purchased by the City of Glendale and restored in 1932 as a Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) project. For events and tours City of Glendale Community parks webpage.

City Hall (1940)

This monumental Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) government building is a subtle blend of Art Deco and Beaux Arts elegance. However, its simple lines and symmetry reflect the austerity of its era. It has served as the seat of Glendale's government since its official opening in 1942. Recently, the originally lobby floor was discovered during lobby renovation. City Hall is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Derby House (1926)

Designed by Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, in 1926 this house is also on the National Register of Historic Places. Wright, like his father, employed a distinctive style of Mayan influence at that time, utilizing using pre-cast concrete blocks fabricated on site from the sand in Chevy Chase Canyon. Lloyd's original blue gum trees still adorn the landscape.

Doctors House (c. 1888)

Brand Park, 1601 W. Mountain. Queen Anne-Eastlake style home resided in by a series of early Glendale doctors as well as silent screen era film star/writer/director Nell Shipman. Owned by the City of Glendale it was restored as a Victorian House Museum by TGHS. Go to Doctors House page to learn more and plan your visit.

“El Miradero” (1903-1909)

Brand Park, 1601 W. Mountain. The Moorish Style castle-like home of prominent early Glendale citizen Leslie C. Brand was fashioned after the East Indian Pavillion at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It is now the Brand Library & Art Center, housing the Glendale Public Library's arts resources and an art studio and gallery. Visit the library website for info and events.

Hotel Glendale (1924)

Originally conceived by local developer Charles Ingledue as a hotel-apartment complex, the venture was a commercial and design failure, with no freight elevator and a restaurant in the basement. It recalls the unbridled optimism and adventureous spirit of the Roaring '20s. Today the basement houses The Cave Wine Storage Lockers and the hotel is residential. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Glendale Sanitarium/originally Glendale Hotel
(1886-87) - Demolished

Originally located on what is now the northwest corner of Broadway and Glendale Ave, this grand Victorian was a hotel, then an Episcopal girls' school (1889-1893), and eventually L.C. Brand owned it and sold it to the Seventh Day Adventists for $12,000. They eventually built new facilities for their sanitarium and the structure was demolished in 1928.

Grand Central Air Terminal (1928)

1310 Air Way. Spanish Colonial Revival style terminal with zig-zag moderne elements. The site of many historic events in the history of aviation. Now owned by the Walt Disney Company, which plans to restore it as part of their Grand Central Creative Campus project. (Interior not open.)

Le Mesnager Stone Barn

In Deukmejian Wilderness Park, Dunsmore Canyon, off Dunsmore Avenue. Huge barn built to store wine grapes, with the Le Mesnager family residence above. Owned by the City of Glendale, which plans to restore it as an educational nature/history center.*

*Most city parks are open daily. For information about visiting or using the buildings, contact the City of Glendale Parks and Recreation Department, (818) 548-2147

Oak of Peace and Verdugo Adobe (c. 1860)

2211 Bonita Drive. Glendale's oldest adobe, in a wooded park setting which includes the mighty stump of the Oak of Peace. Owned by the City of Glendale.*

U.S. Post Office (1932-1934)

313 E. Broadway. Constructed during the Great Depression, this Italian Renaissance style post office has sumptuous marble, tile, bronze, and ornamental plaster work. The Post Office is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Southern Pacific Train Depot (1923)

400 W. Cerritos Avenue. The Spanish Colonial Revival station has been in continuous use since its opening in the 1920s. Restored to become the Glendale Transportation Center in 1999 it now services Amtrak, Metrolink, and Greyhound services. The depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.