The massive 500-room Ambassador Hotel, designed by renowned architect Myron Hunt, opened for business in 1921 on the site of a former dairy farm. It occupied 23.7 acres at 3400 Wilshire Boulevard, bordered by 8th Street, Catalina Street, and nearly to Mariposa Avenue. The hotel served as the stomping grounds for a staggering list of Hollywood legends, heads of state, and an endless list of famous personalities from the 20th Century. It is said that as many as seven U.S. Presidents stayed at the Ambassador, from Hoover to Nixon, along with heads of state from around the world. A pivotal moment in world history happened in 1968, when Robert F. Kennedy was shot in a pantry off of the Embassy Room (and died 25 hours later), following his California Primary victory speech. The death of RFK coincided with the beginning of the hotel's demise. The Schine family had owned the Ambassador for about 50 years, until its doors were closed on January 3, 1989 after 68 years of service, selling for 4 million. The landmark hotel was eventually demolished between late 2005 and early 2006. Aerial view looking southeast toward Wilshire Boulevard. The Ambassador Hotel can be seen in the middle of photo (right side). The hotel is located at 3400 Wilshire Boulevard. To the right of the hotel, going west along Wilshire, can be seen evidence of Sacatela Creek. This was a perennial stream in the early 20th century that began in the Franklin Hills and joined Ballona Creek in Koreatown/Mid-City, approximately between Wilton, Westchester, and Country Club Drive. A seasonal stream flowing from Silver Lake Reservoir area also joined Sacatela Creek near the intersection of today's Beverly Boulevard and Madison Avenue. In 1930, a stormdrain was laid in the stream's path and the creek was filled.
Ambassador Hotel Rivers--California--Los Angeles Hotels--California--Los Angeles Lost architecture--California--Los Angeles Groundwater--California--Los Angeles Aerial photographs
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