Lewis Bradbury, a mining and real estate millionaire, commissioned young draftsmen George Wyman to build The Bradbury Building located in downtown Los Angeles. Opened in 1893 (sadly, months after Bradbury's death), The Bradbury Building, at first glance, is an unassuming, five-story reddish brown brick, sandstone, and terra cotta structure. But step inside and be dazzled. The interior Victorian lobby is lit from a glorious glass-ceiling skylight, ornate wrought-iron grillwork line the marble stairs, as well as comprise the two open cage elevators. Hanging plants swoop down creating an open-air courtyard effect.

Visiting The Bradbury Building
Although one of Los Angeles' oldest historic landmarks, The Bradbury Building is still an active office building with tenants such as the LAPD Internal Affairs Division. Visitors are allowed only into the building's lobby and first floor landing to view and take pictures.

Must See/Do at The Bradbury Building
Walk through the lobby and walk up to the first floor landings to get best glimpses. Also read signage around the lobby detailing the building's history as well as all the movies and TV shows shot in the building, including, "Blade Runner," the film noir, "D.O.A." and "500 Days of Summer," to name just a few.

Admission to The Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building is free admission and its hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily.

How to get to The Bradbury Building
The Bradbury Building is located at 304 South Broadway at Third Street in downtown Los Angeles. For public transportation, take the Metro Red or Purple lines to the Pershing Square Metro Station (at Fourth Street and Hill) and walk East one block to Broadway and one block to Third Street. Also Metro Bus 33 and 733 travel along Main Street. Metered parking and paid parking lots are available on the surrounding streets.

Food at The Bradbury Building
There is no food per se in the lobby of The Bradbury Building, however one of its street front, first floor tenants is Subway Sandwich Shop. Across the street on Broadway is the famed Grand Central Market (317 S. Broadway) with a variety of food options.

Insider tip for visitors to The Bradbury Building
Legend has it that when young 32-year-old draftsman George Wyman was offered The Bradbury Building commission, he refused. But then he and his wife consulted a planchette board (similar to an Ouija board). Wyman got a message from his dead brother saying "Take Bradbury Building. It will make you famous."

Author's bio: Lori Huck works in television development as well as writes on entertainment and the arts. She's a fan of the vibrant arts scene in Los Angeles and is a member of many arts organizations.