Flames Destroy L.A.’s Historic Pan Pacific Auditorium

Though a fitting tribute to Los Angeles’ continual neglect afforded its architectural treasures, the devastating fire May 24 at the Pan Pacific Auditorium shouldn’t be this architectural jewel’s final chapter. This city, in fact all of Southern California, was blessed with the use of the fine facilities and fabulous entertainment of all kinds this magnificent structure brought.

Even after its closing the community benefited from the Pan Pacific’s parking area to erect a sorely needed post office and community park.

Indeed, Los Angeles has been rewarded in many ways from the Pan Pacific Auditorium. However, its most significant contribution, its indescribably glorious presence, shouldn’t be left as a pile of rubble and sublime memory.

Los Angeles has been remiss for its lack of promptness in funding for, and lack of imagination in utilization of this grande dame of machine-age architecture. Reconstruction should begin soon on the magnificent facade.

Hopefully, the fire will spark a belated reversal in Los Angeles’ neglect of this premiere example of Streamline Moderne architecture. Hopefully, preparations can be made to right a wrong. Hopefully, future generations will be able to see for themselves the most important structure associated with such a flamboyant and exuberant style, but also associated with a lot of joy and magic its presence brought us all. Hopefully.

THOM TAYLOR

Laguna Niguel