Coca-Cola Building

The Coca-Cola building located off Interstate 10 at 1334 South Central Avenue in Los Angeles, CA, is minutes south of Chinatown and was once the headquarters for Coca-Cola bottling operations. In 1937, architect Robert V. Derrah began design work on the project which required consolidation and remodeling of five buildings on the block. The building was built to resemble an ocean liner using the popular Streamline Moderne art deco style of the 1930's.

The new design incorporated various nautical components such as cargo doors, portholes, a catwalk and a large flying bridge. Two giant replicas of Coke bottles can be found on either side of the building as well. In 1975, the building as designated as a Los Angeles Historical-Cultural Monument.

Although the building is closed to the public, the unusual outside provides many photographic opportunities. It is best viewed during daylight hours and there is limited parking.

Close to the geographic center of downtown Los Angeles, Coca-Cola building is a short drive away from several museums, including the African-American Firefighters museum located across the street, sports arenas, unique shops and other sightseeing opportunities. The area is the hub of L.A.'s growing public transit system, providing several options for getting around.