Bob Hope Patriotic Hall

Bob Hope Patriotic Hall is a 10 story building that was dedicated as Patriotic Hall by the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors in 1925 and was built to serve veterans of Indian Wars, Spanish American War, World War I and to support the Grand Army of the Republic. Patriotic hall was rededicated to honor of Bob Hope and renamed "Bob Hope Patriotic Hall" on November 12, 2004.[1]

Contents

History

Patriotic Hall was built in 1925 and the building opened its doors in 1926 to serve the public. When it was built, the 85,000-square-foot (7,900 m2) building was the tallest building[2] in the city.

Design

The building was designed by Allied Architects Association (33 prominent architects in Los Angeles) using Romanesque features. The lobby was designed with vaulted arch construction and contains murals on the walls.[3][4]

Awards

A certificate of Honor has been awarded for its exceptional merit by the Southern California Chapter of the American Society of Architects. The building was built on land deeded by Civil War veterans.[2]

Other Notable Events

Arianna Huffington hosted a Shadow convention in Patriotic Hall while the Democratic National Convention took place in Staples Center[5]

Refurbishment

In 2006, the building was temporarily closed so that it can be renovated. The renovations will include:

The total cost of the renovations is estimated to be $46,000,000 US Dollars.[6]

Ownership & Management

Bob Hope Patriotic Hall is owned by the County of Los Angeles. Operations are managed by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Current Purpose

The hall is the home to military artifacts and memorabilia. It also houses documents from wars and conflicts starting with the American Revolutionary War, and including recent Middle East conflicts.

Mission Statement: to provide counseling and assistance to, and act as an advocate for veterans, their dependents and survivors regarding entitlement to benefits under Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.

Operate Bob Hope Patriotic Hall as a veteran's memorial building for the veteran's community, patriotic and civic events and the general public

Location

The building is less than a mile from Staples Center and LA Live. It is visible from both interstate 10 (Santa Monica Freeway) and State Route 110 (Harbor Freeway). The structure is located at 1816 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, California, 90015. Figueroa Street was a part of the old US Highway 6.

Future

In more active years, Patriotic Hall was the headquarters and/or a mailing address for hundreds of organizations. Once renovation is complete and opened, at least seven veterans organizations will re-occupy the building, which will include[2] :

Collections

There are many artifacts stored in the hall. Until the building reopens, they remain in storage, but are also being documented and cataloged. The estimated worth of the collection is valued at more than $1,000,000. Included are:

Much of the collection is property of American Legion Post 8. Once the reconstruction is complete, refurbished display cases will again hold these valuable artifacts.

References

External links