Southern California is filled with architectural masterpieces. Some are vehemently regarded while others are brutally forgotten. On a recent trip to Burbank, I came upon one such gem—the offices of Warner Bros. Records.
Situated on Warner Boulevard, near structures that possess characteristically bland elements of new construction, in contrast, the older Warner Bros. Records building had an air of consideration and confidence. Nestled among mature landscaping, I pulled over to take a closer look at the architectural details, fully expecting to find a jillion Google search results when I went home to look it up online.
No dice.
But, with a bit of deductive reasoning I’ve come to some conclusions.
The original sign indicated that the building went up before 1967, when Warner Bros. was sold and renamed Warner Bros.-Seven Arts.
The dedication plaque to Mo Ostin, however, led me to believe the building was established much later, in 1975.
According to their Wikipedia page, Mo Ostin was brought into the Warner fold in 1963 when the company purchased Frank Sinatra’s Reprise Records. It states, “Ostin’s influence and instincts were crucial over the next two decades.”
I’d say.
Four stories tall, post and beam, with slat wood fencing for privacy and protection from direct sunlight, it’s a post modern paradise. Glass panels span floor to ceiling to enhance and reflect the natural landscape, giving the property an enchanted quality.
Despite the more sheltered exterior design, the interior spaces are open and airy. In atypical fashion, executive offices are at basement level, for an added sense of encapsulation and privacy. With an expanse of mixed-use indoor-outdoor space, these “underground” interiors are furnished with original 1960s Knoll office furniture inside and Bertoia tables and chairs outside.
If you happen to have more information on this fantastic forgotten building, please leave a comment below. It would be music to my ears.
Photos: Sheharazad P. Fleming
2 Comments
This gem was indeed built in 1975 and designed by none other than the great A. Quincy Jones. Check out the book on him by Cory Buckner.
Aha! My best guess was that it was a William Pereira building because of all the work he’d done for the studios (like CBS Television City). Thanks for the book recommendation and for solving the mystery, Brad!