Downtown 101 Freeway

 

1953, Thank you to Arturo Salazar @ Freeways of Los Angeles, 1953.

Mark Lawrence points out that the LA County Hall of Justice in the foreground [built in 1925 is unmistakable]; the Federal Building and Courthouse are in the background.

1954, View of the Hollywood Fwy as it crosses Rampart Blvd. Los Angeles, CA, 1954; the view is generally to the southeast. Note Queen of Angels Hospital at left center; I was born there, as were many children of LAUSD teachers, in 1951.  Thank you to Paul Ayers.  Posted here on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Called "The Slot"?

1962, Thanks to Arturo Salazar, whose caption reads, 

1962 - Looking westerly over Santa Ana Fwy (US-101) at Alameda St near Union Station (right). Civic center buildings are prominent in center-right background (Water & Power Assoc photo).

At that time, US-101 changed its name to Hollywood Fwy at Spring St. Today most consider that name change occurring at the Harbor Fwy/Arroyo Seco Pkwy (CA-110) four level interchange.

Taix French Restaurant (left center) closed this location on Commercial St in 1964 and is now located on Sunset Blvd in Echo Park.

1960, Thank you to Classic Hollywood/Los Angeles/SFV.  No caption on this pic.  That's too bad.  Westbound lanes on the Hollywood 101 Freeway, 1960.  

1973, Santa Ana Freeway towards the Hill Street overpass.  Thank you to Mel-v VC.

1963, Hollywood Freeway.  Thank you to Historic Los Angeles.

By 1963, the Hollywood Freeway was a symbol of Los Angeles’ embrace of modern infrastructure and the automobile era. Stretching through the city, it connected downtown to Hollywood and beyond, reducing travel times for commuters and visitors. The freeway was lined with landmarks and offered glimpses of the surrounding hills and iconic skyline. While traffic occasionally slowed, the freedom of the open road symbolized the city’s growth and ambition. The Hollywood Freeway became an essential part of LA’s identity, representing its sprawling, car-centric culture.