The Cinemart Building, also known as Seven Seas, is a historic three-story building located at 6904 W. Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California. It is known primarily for its Golden Age of Hollywood tenant: restaurant and nightclub 7 Seas.

Cinemart Building
Cinemart Building is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Cinemart Building
Location of building in Los Angeles County
Location6904 W. Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, California
Coordinates34°06′05″N 118°20′26″W / 34.1014°N 118.3405°W / 34.1014; -118.3405
Built1920
Architectural styleCommercial Vernacular
Part ofHollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District (ID85000704)
Designated CPApril 4, 1985

History

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The Cinemart Building was built in 1920 as a commercial vernacular building. It was constructed of brick and featrures rusticated masonry banding at its corners and carved masonry around the sash windows of the upper stories.[1]

In the mid-1930s, Ray Haller opened the Polynesian bar 7 Seas in the building. The bar, which featured an exotic Tahitian atmosphere complete with thunder, lightning, and rain, was a hot spot for celebrities as well as soldiers and sailors stationed in Los Angeles during World War II. The restaurant eventually added a Hawaiian show as well.[2]

In the early 1940s, L. Wolfe Gilbert had an office in this building while he headed the American Society for Composers, Authors and Publishers.[3]

In 1984, the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District was added to the National Register of Historic Places, with Seven Seas listed as a contributing property in the district.[1]

In 2007, the building was purchased by CIM Group,[4] and in 2013, it was sold to a Maryland investment film.[5] As of 2024, the building is occupied by Zara and a souvenir shop.[6][7]

References

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  1. ^ a b "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form - Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District". United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service. April 4, 1985.
  2. ^ "Early Views of Hollywood (1920 +)". Water and Power Associates. July 8, 2024. p. 9.
  3. ^ "Historic Resources Survey Report - Hollywood Redevelopment Plan Area" (PDF). Architectural Resources Group, GPA Consulting, Historic Resources Group. January 28, 2020. p. 43.
  4. ^ Roger Vincent (February 6, 2007). "A new Hollywood revival". Los Angeles Times.
  5. ^ Roger Vincent (June 20, 2013). "Storied Hollywood Boulevard building sold". Los Angeles Times.
  6. ^ "Zara". Hollywood Partnership. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  7. ^ "The Hollywoodland Experience". Hollywood Partnership. Retrieved July 9, 2024.