A stark, windowless building near my childhood home once seemed like nothing special. But this unassuming structure in Los Angeles was, in fact, designed by Frank Gehry—revealing how great architecture can hide in plain sight.
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I called it a piece of junk. It turned out to be a Frank Gehry L.A. masterpiece
Key Takeaways:
- The building is at Melrose and Sycamore in Los Angeles.
- It was initially dismissed as a “piece of junk.”
- Its windowless design is highly unconventional.
- Frank Gehry is the architect behind it.
- The author realized its value only years later.
A Misjudged Landmark
The intersection of Melrose and Sycamore avenues in Los Angeles might seem unremarkable at a glance. For years, a strange, windowless building there was seen as little more than an oddity. Growing up just a few blocks away, the writer recalled walking by this structure often—dismissing it, ironically, as a “piece of junk.”
Discovering Frank Gehry’s Hand
Only after some time did the building’s true origin come to light: It is the work of world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. Learning about Gehry’s involvement changed everything. Instead of an eyesore, the building came to represent a daring architectural statement. Its stark, windowless façade, once puzzling, now stood out as a testament to Gehry’s willingness to push boundaries.
Why It Matters
The realization that an overlooked structure was created by an iconic architect underscores the broader lesson that we sometimes fail to see the extraordinary in our everyday surroundings. This story highlights how even the simplest building can be a hidden masterpiece, challenging our perceptions of what good design should look like.
Hidden Treasures in Plain Sight
Los Angeles is known for its eclectic architecture, but not all of its gems are apparent. The building at Melrose and Sycamore is a reminder that iconic landmarks can be hiding right in the neighborhood. Often, a deeper look at seemingly modest locales can reveal a wealth of cultural and creative heritage.
Key Details
Below is a brief overview of the building and its discovery:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Melrose and Sycamore, Los Angeles |
| Architect | Frank Gehry |
| Appears Windowless | Yes, unusual exterior |
| Initial Impression | Regarded as a “piece of junk” |
| Realization | Recognized later as a masterpiece |
Ultimately, this Frank Gehry design stands as a lesson in reevaluating our environment. Skepticism about an unconventional appearance gave way to an appreciation that architectural brilliance can sometimes hide in the most unexpected places.
