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Christie Realty Building

Coordinates: 34°06′07″N 118°20′17″W / 34.102°N 118.338°W / 34.102; -118.338
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Christie Realty Building
The building in 2024
Christie Realty Building is located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area
Christie Realty Building
Location of building in Los Angeles County
Location6765-6773 W. Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, California
Coordinates34°06′07″N 118°20′17″W / 34.102°N 118.338°W / 34.102; -118.338
Built1928
ArchitectCarl Jules Weyl
Architectural styleSpanish Colonial Revival
Part ofHollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District (ID85000704)
Designated CPApril 4, 1985

Christie Realty Building, also known as Wax Museum Building, is a historic two-story building located at 6765-6773 W. Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood, California. It is best known for Hollywood Wax Museum, its 1965 to present tenant.

History

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Christie Realty Building was built in 1928 by Carl Jules Weyl and features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with street-level arches and Churrigueresque detailing on its second story.[1] The building was owned by the Christie brothers,[2] two of early Hollywood's most powerful movie moguls who also owned the nearby Christie Hotel.[3]

The building's second story was originally home to the Embassy Club, a private club that catered to film stars looking to avoid the crowds at next door's Café Montmartre, both of which were owned by Eddie Brandstatter.[2]

In 1933, due to the effects of the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the ensuing Great Depression, the Christie brothers's companies were forced to file for bankruptcy. Assets, including this building, were sold away.[4]

In 1946, the Disney-themed restaurant and bar Snow White Cafe opened in the building, where it would remain for 78 years.[5][6] In 1965, the Hollywood Wax Museum moved into the building, where it remains to this day.[7]

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

In 2021, the building was sold for $22 million.[8]

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. ^ a b "Christie Realty Building - Hollywood Historic Site". Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
  3. ^ "The Christie Hotel - Hollywood Historic Site". Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  4. ^ "Charles Christie". Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved July 2, 2024.
  5. ^ Josh DuBose (June 24, 2024). "Historic Disney-themed dive bar in Hollywood abruptly closes". KTLA.
  6. ^ Amid Amidi (June 24, 2024). "Disney-Themed Snow White Cafe In Hollywood Shutters After 78 Years". Cartoon Brew.
  7. ^ Douglas Martin (October 25, 2006). "Spoony Singh, 83, Dies; Created Hollywood Wax Museum". New York Times. p. A17.
  8. ^ "6763 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028". PropertyShark. Retrieved July 16, 2024.