The Bradbury Building in Downtown Gets a Fresh New Look
Renovation Project Preserves Historic Signage at the Bradbury Building
The iconic Bradbury Building in downtown Los Angeles recently underwent significant restoration, marking 132 years since its construction. This architectural gem, renowned for its Victorian-era design, features a sign that has welcomed visitors since its inception, weathering the test of time with remarkable resilience.
Last week, the restoration team from Spectra Company replaced the failing "Y" in the establishment’s sign. Reuben Lombardo, Senior Preservation Estimator at Spectra, explained the challenges faced during this latest phase of restoration. “The Y had just failed. The sandstone was delaminating, and it was probably ready to fall off. It’s a real soft stone so it’s inherently prone to damage. We ended up having to recreate it,” he noted.
The team employed silicone molds to meticulously replicate the lost lettering and decorative elements from an identical plaque located on the building’s north side, ensuring an authentic restoration. “The Bradbury is a pretty simple job for us,” Lombardo stated, adding that they are also implementing waterproofing measures to prevent further deterioration. The Bradbury’s owners have made it a practice to bring Spectra back annually for maintenance to preserve the landmark’s historic integrity.
Spectra Company, the West Coast’s largest restoration contractor, manages approximately 100 projects each year, contributing to the rehabilitation of many significant landmarks around Los Angeles. Notable projects include the reconstruction of Mission San Gabriel, the revival of the Hollywood Palladium, and the recent restoration of the decorative plaster ceilings at the Biltmore Hotel.
Lombardo highlighted Spectra’s role in the award-winning restoration of downtown’s Tower Theater, which was transformed into a baroque Apple store after sustaining damage during an earthquake. “The [original] tower fell off in an earthquake and we recreated it out of glass fiber reinforced concrete,” he explained. The company also faced extensive work within the theater, disassembling and later restoring the plaster ceiling during a complete structural refit.
With a robust background in both construction and fine arts, Lombardo emphasizes the importance of training for his team. “I’ve trained a lot of our guys on proper procedures to restore historic finishes… Some of our guys have been with us for 25 years.”
As the latest improvements wrap up this week, Lombardo reflects on the enduring legacy of the Bradbury Building, designed by architect George Wyman in 1893. “When the Bradbury was built, they spared no expense. They built it right. It is the most beautiful building in Downtown L.A.”
