Building History
Founders & Architects
The history of the Garment building is one that started back in the 1920s. The architect was William Douglass Lee, who is also known for his work with the Chateau Marmont located on Sunset Boulevard. The builders were Lloyd and Casler of Jesse Lloyd and Florence Casler. Lloyd & Casler constructed over 60 buildings employing 12 men who all worked consistently on every project managed closely by Casler including the Textile building and the Renaissance Building (that now owned by the Downtown Womens Center). Florence - married to John Casler, a plumber, had 2 children. She learned the plumbing trade by supporting her husband, John. One day, John left to make his fortune in gold mines. After 8 years, he returned broke. After his death, Florence became a licensed plumber, moved to Los Angeles and partnered with a contractor, Jesse Lloyd.
In 1925 Casler was the first female officer of a national bank in LA, VP, and member of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1928 Florence Casler started her own construction firm, Casler Construction Company, where the Bendix building was her first big client alone without partners. Often held informal dinners once a month for a group of 50 women's bright, clever, successful, business women. No officers, no dues, just women supporting women. Garment Capitol was officially open New Years Day in 1927 and was purchased by a woman, Olga Riedeburg until 1946. Jack Needleman purchased in 1962, owning 60 other buildings and parking lots, who was supportive in the preservation of historic buildings he owned (including the Maxfield building).
Design
Gothic revival was popular in the late 1910's that was the design of libraries, schools, churches. Includes terracotta, and clad in brick. Entrances and window openings were arched.
Finials
Upon reviewing the details to restore all areas of the building, of the top of the building that housed 21 finials had been removed throughout the lifespan of the building due to the integrity of them crumbling. They had been removed sometime between 1935 and 1962. The only 2 pieces of evidence showed the design of the finials. One was an original rendering of the building (given by the Needleman family after finding the jewelry in a hidden safe at the Maxfield building) and a black and white photo from the opening day. Only having a photo as evidence, we resourced the 4 different size gothic finials and found a few manufacturers that could replicate them. After multiple meetings, drawings, and approvals, we found a local manufacturer that could rebuild them by using glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC). Additionally, a stainless steel rod was inserted in each to reinforce the fitting into the building. Stainless steel was used as any other metal would wear in time causing rust and future integrity issues. Each finial was craned up carefully and placed in each original space.
Glass Windows
To preserve the windows and create efficiency, we chose to install "Low E" glass, which has a reflection component. The historic preservation restricted Low E because it wasn't original to the design. However, after a lawsuit was settled in a nearby historic building that didn't have Low E, we used this case as precedent in exposing future lawsuits.
Additional Modifications
Electrical outlets were installed originally within the walls, and we were able to maintain the integrity of the outlets, as most buildings you will find the electrical outlets and conduits hovering over the wall (like in Maxfield).
The front door of the building had throughout the years been modified that resulted in hiding the ornate canopy ceiling. We removed the drywall, found the design which was in major disrepair. We were able to find a local company to replicate the old ceiling to renew the once lite up ceiling, but now includes LED Edison lighting. Penthouses were required to have a specific setback mandated by the Historic Preservation Offices such that they weren't visible from a certain distance. The historic preservation Secretary of Interior Standards (also known as the historic guidelines state any additions must not appear new.
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