Not sure if this has been covered but always been my favorite (and almost only) noirish building in Santa Monica. I can almost see Sam Spade working away through a window in one of the upper floors, especially at night. Found an old shot from the forties in comparison from my phone photo this afternoon.
PS: Any help getting the images to show up is greatly appreciated.
http://solidgoldman.com/CentralTower.jpg
http://solidgoldman.com/Central.Vintage.jpg