Capitol Records Building
A distinctive circular tower in Hollywood that revolutionized office building design while serving as the creative heart of Capitol Records’ West Coast operations.
At a glance
The Capitol Records Building is a 13-story tower located just north of the Hollywood and Vine intersection. Designed by Louis Naidorf of Welton Becket Associates, it is recognized as the world’s first circular office building ever constructed. The structure houses Capitol Studios’ recording facilities and echo chambers.
History
Construction began soon after British music company EMI acquired Capitol Records in 1955, and was completed in April 1956. The building earned the nickname “The House That Nat Built” in recognition of the vast catalog of records and merchandise Nat King Cole sold for the company. It was designated a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument in 2006.
What you see
The building’s most striking feature is its pioneering circular form, a design innovation that set it apart from conventional office towers of its era. The cylindrical tower rises 13 stories above Hollywood Boulevard, with recording studios and echo chambers integrated throughout. Its distinctive silhouette remains one of Los Angeles’s most recognizable architectural landmarks.
Cultural significance
The Capitol Records Building represents a pivotal moment in both architectural and music industry history. As the consolidated home of Capitol Records’ West Coast operations, it became the recording hub for countless artists during the mid-to-late twentieth century. Its innovative circular design influenced subsequent office building concepts worldwide.
Key facts
- Completed: April 1956
- Architect: Louis Naidorf, Welton Becket Associates
- Height: 13 stories
- Location: Hollywood and Vine intersection, Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument: 2006
- Coordinates: 34.103085, -118.326189
Practical information & getting there
The Capitol Records Building is situated in the heart of Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard near Vine Street. While the building remains an active recording facility and is not open to public tours, its exterior is easily viewed from the street and remains a popular photography location for architecture and music industry enthusiasts.
Sources & resources
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