USC archive
above: The Amestoy Building pictured in 1945 at the northeast corner of Market and Main.
Many consider this building the first 'skyscraper' in Los Angeles.
Built in 1887, it was the first building in Los Angeles with an elevator.
Notice the Stake Out Bar in the lower right.
This was a popular hang-out for the LAPD in the 1940s.
At the time, the Police Dept. was located in City Hall across the street.