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Updated on Apr 28 2024 3:56pm
History of Century City - A City Within A City - Welton Becket - KTLA Special 1965
From the early days of silent cinema to the bustling metropolis of today, Century City's journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and transformation. It all began with the legendary partnership of Tom Mix and William Fox, whose contributions laid the groundwork for this iconic district. Mix, with his daring Western films, and Fox, the visionary producer who challenged industry monopolies, set the stage for Century City's emergence. As Hollywood faced post-war challenges, Century City emerged as a beacon of adaptation, spearheaded by Spyros Skouras and Edmond Herrscher. Their vision transformed studio backlots into the sprawling urban landscape we know today. With bold planning and strategic partnerships, including renowned architects and financial consultants, Century City rose from the ashes of Hollywood's turmoil. From Welton Becket's modern acropolis to the iconic Century Plaza Hotel, each milestone marked a new chapter in Century City's storied history. Despite setbacks and transitions, including Alcoa's departure and the rise of residential development, Century City continues to thrive as a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub. Its legacy lives on in the silver screen, with iconic films like "What a Way to Go" and "Live a Little, Love a Little" immortalizing its allure. As lights, camera, and action continue to captivate audiences, Century City remains a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and creativity.
Tom Mix, the iconic cowboy of silent-era cinema, and William Fox, the pioneering producer, are pivotal figures in the early history of Century City. Mix, known for his larger-than-life persona both on and off-screen, brought excitement to audiences with his adventurous Western films. Meanwhile, Fox, an immigrant who revolutionized the film industry by challenging monopolies, established Fox Studios and played a crucial role in shaping Hollywood's landscape. Their partnership saw Mix's rise to superstardom under Fox's studio, but the advent of talking pictures spelled the end of their collaboration. Despite their eventual setbacks and tragic endings, their legacies endure, shaping the entertainment industry and leaving an indelible mark on the history of Century City.
Darryl Zanuck's journey from a small-town dreamer to a Hollywood titan reshaped the landscape of cinema, particularly through his pivotal role in the evolution of Twentieth Century-Fox. After a successful stint at Warner Bros., Zanuck's partnership with Joseph Schenk led to the formation of Twentieth Century Films, eventually merging with the struggling William Fox Studio to become 20th Century-Fox. Zanuck's hands-on approach and keen storytelling instincts propelled the studio to prominence with iconic productions like "How Green Was My Valley" and "All About Eve," solidifying its status as a major player in Hollywood's golden era. Despite post-war challenges, Zanuck's legacy endures as a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the history of cinema.
Amidst the tumult of Hollywood's post-war challenges, the birth of Century City emerged as a beacon of innovation and adaptation. Faced with declining box-office revenues and industry upheaval, 20th Century-Fox found salvation in its vast real estate holdings, spearheaded by Spyros Skouras and Edmond Herrscher's visionary insights. Recognizing the potential for commercial development, they transformed studio backlots into the sprawling urban landscape of Century City. With bold planning and strategic partnerships, including renowned architects and financial consultants, the groundbreaking ceremony in 1958 marked not just the birth of a new city, but a testament to Hollywood's resilience and ability to evolve in the face of adversity.
As 20th Century-Fox grappled with the financial disaster of Cleopatra's ballooning budget, New York developer William Zeckendorf stepped in, offering a glimmer of hope in the form of a $5 million option for the studio's backlot. Despite failed attempts to inflate the purchase price, Alcoa and Zeckendorf's joint venture sealed the deal for $43 million, paving the way for the birth of Century City. Amidst uproar over demolition and the formation of Century City, Inc. to oversee development, the sale marked a transformative moment as Hollywood's iconic backlots gave way to a new urban landscape, promising a vibrant future in the heart of Los Angeles.
Welton Becket, a master architect known for iconic landmarks like the Pan Pacific Auditorium and the Capitol Records Building, undertook his greatest challenge with the development of Century City. Tasked with creating a modern urban oasis, Becket's meticulous Master Plan envisioned carefully arranged super-blocks of office, retail, and residential structures. Collaborating with renowned architects, Becket crafted a vision that included wide boulevards, pedestrian bridges, and expansive green spaces to prevent urban overcrowding. His dedication to innovative design and urban planning transformed Century City into a futuristic metropolis, earning acclaim as a "city within a city." Today, Becket's legacy lives on in the gleaming skyline and vibrant streets of Century City, a testament to his visionary brilliance.
From the groundbreaking of Gateway West in 1961 to the bustling opening of The Gateway East Building and Century City Shopping Center in 1964, Welton Becket's vision for Century City began to materialize. Becket's influence extended to every corner of the burgeoning urban landscape, from water fountains along Avenue of the Stars to joint ventures with I.M. Pei for The Century Tower Apartments. Despite challenges such as the discovery of old film set dumps and legal disputes, Century City continued to grow, with milestones like the completion of The Century Towers Apartments and the addition of new office buildings shaping its skyline. As William Zeckendorf's departure marked a shift in ownership to Alcoa, Century City entered a developmental Golden Age in 1966, paving the way for a decade of unprecedented growth and innovation.
The opening of the Century Plaza Hotel in 1966 marked a turning point for Century City, propelling it into a new era of prosperity and sophistication. Designed by renowned architect Minoru Yamasaki, the hotel quickly became a magnet for celebrities and dignitaries, setting the stage for further development in the area. The hotel's success spurred the growth of neighboring businesses, sparking demand for office space and residential towers. As construction boomed throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Century City transformed into a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub, culminating in the completion of iconic landmarks like the Century Plaza Towers and The ABC Entertainment Center. Despite setbacks and challenges, Century City's golden age of development reached its zenith in 1975, leaving behind a legacy of architectural marvels and unparalleled glamour.
Known as the "West Coast White House" in the 1970s, the Century Plaza Hotel became synonymous with political power, particularly during the tenure of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States. Hosting Reagan's victory parties in 1980 and 1984, the hotel played a pivotal role in Reagan's political career. Even after leaving the presidency, Reagan maintained a strong connection to Century City, establishing his post-White House office at Fox Plaza. His warm demeanor and penchant for storytelling made his Century City office a hub for political and Hollywood elites alike, leaving an indelible mark on the area's history. Reagan's enduring legacy is honored with a suite named after him at the Westin Century Plaza Hotel & Spa, ensuring his presence in Century City for generations to come.
As new business construction tapered off, the focus shifted to residential development in Century City, with luxury condominiums like The Le Parc, Century Hill, and Century Woods attracting high-profile residents. The corporate landscape also evolved in the 1980s, with the introduction of notable entities like the Northrop Grumman Corporation, which moved its international headquarters to a Welton Becket-designed building. Meanwhile, Alcoa's real estate ventures slowed, prompting the sale of its holdings to a subsidiary of JMB in 1986. With this transition, Century City, Inc. dissolved, marking the end of an era and paving the way for a new chapter in the area's development.
Century City has a rich history of serving as a backdrop for iconic films, dating back to the early 1960s. One notable instance was in 1963, when 20th Century-Fox utilized the Gateway West Building for scenes in "What a Way to Go," starring Shirley MacLaine. The realistic portrayal of the building as the Bureau of Internal Affairs led to confusion among new tenants. Additionally, in 1968, Elvis Presley's film "Live a Little, Love a Little" featured scenes of the King commuting by dune-buggy to Century City, where he portrayed a fashion photographer amidst the backdrop of the bustling business district.
The inaugural film shot on location in Century City dates back to September 2, 1963. The 20th Century-Fox production, "What a Way to Go," featuring Shirley MacLaine, utilized the Gateway West Building as the fictional Bureau of Internal Affairs for a day. The film's realistic signage led to confusion among new tenants.
In 1968, Century City made one of its earliest appearances in cinema through Elvis Presley's film, "Live a Little, Love a Little." The King of Rock and Roll engaged in beach frolics in Malibu before embarking on a daring dune-buggy commute to Century City. Within the iconic locale, Presley portrayed a fashion photographer entangled in the rivalry between two publications housed within the same office building.
As the sun sets over Century City, its skyline stands as a testament to the dreams of visionaries and the resilience of an industry. From the silent era's cowboy adventures to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's golden age, Century City has been the backdrop for countless stories of triumph and transformation. With each chapter, from the dynamic duo of Tom Mix and William Fox to the rise of modern urban planning under Welton Becket, Century City has evolved, adapting to the changing tides of time. Today, as luxury condominiums dot its landscape and corporate giants call it home, Century City continues to be a vibrant symbol of innovation and creativity. Its streets echo with the footsteps of legends, reminding us that the past is always present in the fabric of this dynamic city.