What’s Hiding in the Basement of this Historic Building Downtown?

Occupying the ground floors of two adjacent buildings in downtown Los Angeles is the city’s largest and oldest public market- Grand Central Market. Constructed in 1897 by American businessman and potter, Homer Laughlin (of the Homer Laughlin China Company), the building which also bears his name is one of LA’s oldest commercial structures in continuous use. An adjoining building was constructed a little bit later in 1905 extending the original building to Hill Street. (Fun Fact: The building was the first fireproofed and steel-reinforced concrete structure in Southern California.) In the 1920’s the building was home to the offices of architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. While a new façade was added in the 1960s, it was removed during a more recent renovation revealing many of the building’s original Beaux Arts style architectural details.

The Market- In 1917, the building’s original tenant, The Ville de Paris Department Store (one of the city’s largest and finest), relocated, and Grand Central Market opened its doors on the ground floor. At the time, Broadway was the main commercial and entertainment hub for downtown Los Angeles, and the market’s close proximity to the famous Angel’s Flight Railway meant easy access for the well-to-do residents of the Victorian mansions that dotted nearby Bunker Hill. While the its offerings evolved over time, keeping in line with the ever-changing tastes of Los Angeles residents, the market still boasts over 50 privately owned and operated vending stalls selling fresh seafood, meats, produce, dry goods, flowers, and more. Over the last decade, Grand Central Market has become a true foodie destination featuring numerous eateries of all different styles of culinary fare. In 2014, Grand Central Market was even named one of the "Hot 10" restaurants nationwide by Bon Appetit magazine! Visit today, and you can also catch live music, movie screenings, trivia and more as you immerse yourself in a true Los Angeles landmark.

Grand Central Market
Size: Over fifty individual vending stalls, each privately owned and operated. Two of my favorites are Eggslut & Bombo.
Special Features & Events: Happy Hour: 6pm-7pm Monday-Friday; food and drink, live music, outdoor movies and other entertainment, Outdoor movie screenings, Trivia, and more!
When: Open from 8AM – 10PM seven days a week!
Where: 317 S. Broadway Los Angeles, CA 90013   Inexpensive parking or better yet – take Metro!