If you’ve ever sat in traffic on Wilshire Boulevard, squinting at the brick towers of Koreatown, you’ve probably seen it. The Talmadge. It’s not just another old building. It’s a massive, eleven-story monument to a kind of love—and a kind of wealth—that basically doesn't exist anymore.
Back in 1923, Joseph Schenck, the powerhouse president of United Artists, decided he needed to give his wife a gift. His wife just happened to be Norma Talmadge, the biggest silent film star on the planet. He didn't buy her a watch. He built her a fortress.
Honestly, the sheer scale of the place is still a bit much. When it opened in 1924, it wasn't just "nice." It was the most expensive apartment building on the West Coast. We're talking about a time when Wilshire Boulevard was mostly dirt and dreams, yet here was this Beaux-Arts giant rising out of the ground.
The House That Moved for a Movie Star
There’s a weird bit of history most people miss about the land under The Talmadge Los Angeles. Long before the brick went up, the lot at 3278 Wilshire Blvd was home to a famous Craftsman mansion. It belonged to Earle C. Anthony, a guy who got rich selling Packards.
The house was a masterpiece by Greene & Greene, the legendary Pasadena architects. Most people would’ve just torn it down. Not these guys. In 1923, they actually moved the entire mansion to Beverly Hills to make room for the new tower. You’ve gotta respect the audacity of moving a whole estate just because you want to build a bigger one on top of it.
Architects of the Elite
Schenck didn't hire amateurs. He brought in William and Alexander Curlett along with Claud Beelman. If you know LA architecture, Beelman is a god. He’s the guy behind the Eastern Columbia Building—that turquoise Art Deco beauty downtown.
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With The Talmadge, they went for a French Normandy/Beaux-Arts vibe. Red brick. Terracotta trim. It was designed to look like it had been there for centuries, even though the paint was still wet.
Inside the Gilded Cage
Walk into the lobby today and it still feels like 1924. It’s heavy. It’s quiet. It smells like old money and polished wood.
Back in the day, these weren't "units." They were mansions in the sky. The floor plans are massive—some sprawling over 3,000 square feet. This was a time when "luxury" meant having a dedicated room for your silver, a separate service elevator, and actual quarters for your maids and butlers.
- The 10th Floor: This is where Norma and Joe actually lived. They didn't just own the building; they were the star attraction.
- The Gardens: The building opened with a summer garden party that was basically the Met Gala of 1924.
- Buster Keaton’s Connection: Natalie Talmadge (Norma’s sister) was married to Buster Keaton. Because Joe Schenck produced Keaton’s movies, the building shows up in silent classics like Seven Chances and Battling Butler.
You've gotta realize, in the 1930s and 40s, this was the "Upper East Side" of Los Angeles. While the rest of the city was expanding outward, the elite were living here, dining at the Ambassador Hotel across the street, and shopping at Bullocks Wilshire.
Why People Get the Name Wrong
There’s a common mix-up you’ll see in local history blogs. People see "Talmadge Street" in Los Feliz and assume it’s named after Norma.
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Kinda, but not really.
The street name actually comes from Hattie Talmadge, the wife of a real estate developer back in the 1880s. But the neighborhood of Talmadge in San Diego? That’s 100% Norma and her sisters. Joe Schenck funded that too. The man was basically a walking billboard for his wife’s last name.
Living at The Talmadge Los Angeles Today
It’s surprisingly still a residential building. It hasn't been turned into a boutique hotel or a tech hub (yet).
It’s a mix of long-term renters and people who specifically seek out "Old Hollywood" vibes. Honestly, it’s a bit of a miracle it survived. During the 60s and 70s, a lot of these grand Wilshire buildings were gutted or torn down. The Talmadge stayed.
The Current Vibe:
It’s not for everyone. If you want "smart home" features and floor-to-ceiling glass, you’ll hate it. The windows are smaller. The layout is formal. There are "Maid’s Rooms" that people now use as tiny home offices. But if you want 10-foot ceilings and crown molding that was carved by hand, there isn't much else like it.
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Practical Realities of 100-Year-Old Luxury
- Parking: It’s a nightmare. The building was built before everyone had two SUVs. Most residents have to deal with valet or tight garage spots that weren't designed for a modern Tesla.
- Management: It’s currently managed by companies like CPM (Commercial Property Management), and residents often rave about the long-term staff. There’s a sense of community here that you don't get in those new "luxury" podium buildings with the neon lights.
- Location: You're in the heart of K-Town. You can walk to some of the best barbecue in the world, then come home to a building that looks like a set from The Great Gatsby.
Is it Haunted?
You can’t have a building this old in LA without rumors. While it doesn't have the dark reputation of the Cecil Hotel, people definitely talk.
Silent film stars didn't always have happy endings. Norma herself saw her career fade when "talkies" took over. She and Joe eventually divorced. By the time she died in 1957, she was largely forgotten by the public. Some residents claim they feel a "presence" in the service hallways, but honestly, that’s probably just the steam pipes in a century-old building doing their thing.
Actionable Insights for History Buffs and Renters
If you’re looking to experience The Talmadge Los Angeles, don't just show up and ask for a tour. It’s a private residence.
- Check for Openings: Availability is rare. Sites like Apartments.com or the building's specific management portal are your best bet. Prices for a 1-bedroom usually start around $2,200, which is actually a steal for the square footage—if you can handle the "vintage" quirks.
- The Architecture Walk: The LA Conservancy often does "Wilshire Boulevard" walking tours. This is the best way to see the exterior and sometimes get a peek into the lobby without being "that guy" lurking by the front door.
- Filming History: If you can't visit, watch Buster Keaton’s Seven Chances. The opening scenes give you a perfect look at the building when it was brand new.
The Talmadge is a reminder that Los Angeles used to have a center of gravity. Long before everyone moved to the hills or the beach, this was the place to be. It’s a big, brick anchor in a city that’s constantly trying to reinvent itself.
Next Steps for Exploration:
Visit the Los Angeles Conservancy website to download their "Wilshire Boulevard" historic map. This will give you the exact coordinates of the other surviving "Great Apartments" from the 1920s, like The Gaylord and The Bryson, which are all within walking distance of The Talmadge.