Million Dollar Theater
Also known as: Edison Building
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Why it's listed
Rising twelve stories at the corner of Broadway and Third Street in downtown Los Angeles, this 1917 building combines offices with a theater on its lower two floors. Architect Albert C. Martin designed it, and William L. Wollett of San Francisco handled the detailing of the lobby and auditorium. The exterior mixes American Commercial and Spanish Renaissance motifs, with terra cotta, molded theatrical figures, an ornate arched entrance, spiral columns and large decorative pendants. Sid Grauman, the motion picture promoter, controlled the theater, while the Edison Company occupied the offices above. Its success encouraged several other theaters along Broadway and helped shape the character of the district. Later changes include a remodeled lobby, new shop frontage and a new marquee, but the auditorium keeps its original proscenium, organ screen, hanging lamps and terra cotta work. It was listed for its architecture and its role in the development of Broadway as a theatrical and commercial center.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is architecturally unique in downtown Los Angeles, combining American Commercial and Spanish Renaissance motifs. It was also a leading structure on Broadway when built, tied to promoter Sid Grauman, and its success helped establish other theaters in the district.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78000687, listed July 20, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 307 S. Broadway, Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| County | Los Angeles County |
| Listed | July 20, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78000687 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1917 |
| Architect / builder | Albert C. Martin (architect); interior detailing by William L. Wollett (spelled Woolett in the significance statement) |
| Architectural style | Combination of American Commercial and Spanish Renaissance (reviewers also note Spanish Renaissance/Baroque Revival) |
| Areas of significance | Entertainment/Recreation, Architecture |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in excellent condition and occupied; the auditorium is nearly intact, while the lobby, shop frontage and marquee have been remodeled or added. It still offers occasional live stage entertainment. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Within district | Broadway Theater and Commercial District |
| Coordinates | 34.05084, -118.24904 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For an income-producing building, listing (individually or as a contributing building in a district) is the gateway to the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit on qualified rehabilitation costs, often stackable with state credits. Work claiming the credit must follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and be approved in advance.
Listing does not restrict a private owner acting without federal money or permits; where federal funding or licensing is involved, Section 106 review applies.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78000687.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q12061810
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.