The iconic terra-cotta cladding of the Eastern Columbia Building is turquoise.
The glossy turquoise facade is the most recognizable feature of this 13-story Art Deco landmark in downtown Los Angeles. Designed by Claud Beelman, the building opened in 1930 as headquarters for the Eastern Outfitting Company and the Columbia Outfitting Company, which sold furniture and clothing.
Turquoise is not the only color on the building. Deep blue and gold terra cotta trim, copper panels, geometric ornament, and a four-sided neon clock tower intensify the facade's Zigzag Moderne design. The main entrance includes a blue-and-gold terra-cotta sunburst, while the surrounding sidewalks use multicolored terrazzo in zigzag and chevron patterns.
People sometimes describe the facade as blue-green or turquoise-green, but turquoise is the standard answer. The building became the Eastern Columbia Lofts after a residential conversion completed in 2006. Its historic cladding later required extensive conservation, including the restoration and replacement of damaged terra-cotta units.