Honestly, most people in LA only see this building from the window of a car while they're stuck in 101 traffic. It’s that massive, mid-century slab sitting right at the edge of Grand Park. You’ve seen it. It’s 500 West Temple Street Los Angeles CA, officially known as the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration. While the fancy Disney Concert Hall gets all the Instagram love across the street, this place is basically where the gears of the entire county actually turn.
If you live in LA County, your life is managed here. Every tax bill, every public health mandate, and even the future of your local park gets hashed out inside these walls. It’s a ten-story beast of a building that opened back in 1960. Back then, it was part of a grand plan to make Bunker Hill the "civic heart" of the city.
Why You’d Actually Go There (And Where to Park)
Let’s be real: nobody visits 500 West Temple Street Los Angeles CA for the vibes. You’re usually there because you have to be. Maybe you're disputing a property assessment with the County Assessor (Room 225) or you're one of the brave souls showing up for a Board of Supervisors meeting on a Tuesday morning.
Here is the thing about parking: the county doesn't validate. It's a bummer. If you try to park in the immediate vicinity, you’ll likely end up at the Music Center garage or the Walt Disney Concert Hall lot. Those can get pricey fast. Some regulars suggest the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels lot nearby, but basically, expect to pay like a tourist even though you're doing "boring" government business.
📖 Related: Coach Bag Animal Print: Why These Wild Patterns Actually Work as Neutrals
One weird quirk? The building has entrances on different levels because of the Bunker Hill slope.
- The Temple Street entrance is actually the third floor.
- If you walk in from Grand Park, you’re on the second floor.
- Coming from Hill Street? That's the first floor.
It’s easy to get lost. If you're looking for the Board of Supervisors hearing room, that's Room 381B. It’s where the "Five Little Kings" (or Queens, lately) make the big-ticket decisions.
The Power Players Inside
The building is named after Kenneth Hahn, a guy who served on the board for 40 years. He was the one who basically brought the Dodgers to LA and pushed for the first paramedics. Today, the Hall of Administration houses the big bosses. We’re talking the Chief Executive Office, the County Counsel, and the Treasurer.
👉 See also: Bed and Breakfast Wedding Venues: Why Smaller Might Actually Be Better
It’s a high-security spot. You’ll have to go through metal detectors at every public entrance. Don't bring your pocket knife.
Recently, the meetings inside have been pretty intense. Just this week, in early 2026, the Board has been debating some heavy stuff—like $40 million in funding to fix parks destroyed by the 2025 wildfires. They're also talking about strict new rules to keep federal immigration agents out of county clinics and social service offices. It’s not just paperwork; it’s where the political identity of Southern California is shaped.
Architectural "Lushness" and Controversy
When it first opened, some people—including Kenneth Hahn himself—thought the interiors were way too lavish. We're talking marble, wood paneling, and a vibe that felt more like a corporate headquarters than a public service hub. Over sixty years later, that "lavish" feel has faded into a sort of retro-bureaucratic charm.
✨ Don't miss: Virgo Love Horoscope for Today and Tomorrow: Why You Need to Stop Fixing People
It’s a rare example of the 1947 Civic Center Master Plan actually being finished. It stands as a pair with the Courthouse next door. Together, they create this massive wall of limestone and glass that defines the northern edge of downtown’s government district.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
If you find yourself headed to 500 West Temple Street Los Angeles CA, don't just wing it.
- Check the Room Number: The building is nearly a million square feet. "The Assessor's office" isn't specific enough. Get the room number before you clear security.
- Tuesday is Busy: That’s Board meeting day. If you just need to drop off a check at the Tax Collector, maybe aim for a Wednesday or Thursday to avoid the crowds.
- Public Transit is Better: The Civic Center/Grand Park Metro station is right there. Honestly, skip the $20 parking and take the Red or Purple line.
- Food Situation: There’s a cafeteria in the building, but you're better off walking across Grand Park to one of the food trucks or the cafes on Main Street.
Next time you’re driving past on the 101, look up at the tenth floor. That’s where the Supervisors' offices are. It’s not the prettiest building in LA, but it’s definitely the one that impacts your paycheck and your neighborhood the most.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify your district: Before attending a meeting, use the LA County Registrar-Recorder website to see which of the five supervisors represents you.
- Watch remotely: If you can't find parking, the Board meetings are streamed live on the official LA County website and broadcast on Channel 94.
- Appointment setting: For the Assessor or Tax Collector, check their specific department websites first; many services that used to require a trip to Temple Street are now available through their online portals.