Film buffs will instantly recognize this building from the countless movies it's played a part in. It was blown up in "War of the Worlds." It was the location of the "Daily Planet" for Superman's television run. And was where Friday kept his offices in the Dragnet series. However, this building isn't only symbolic to Tinseltown. It has meaning for every part of the Golden State. That's because the concrete for the 28-story structure was formed from sand from each of California's 58 counties and water from its 21 missions. Los Angeles is known for its earthquakes, and the designers kept that in mind during construction. Each floor of the 454-foot building is separated by a flexible compression zone. The result not unlike the human spine in its ability to twist and shake and still return to its original form.

Los Angeles City Hall
Courtesy: LACVB, PictureLA.com
By: Michele & Tom Grimm