This two-story Art Deco building dates back to 1929, a time when Hollywood was booming and automobiles were both a symbol of status and a star accessory. Originally, it was a Cadillac showroom: its tall, curved windows spanning two floors let passersby admire the latest models as if they were jewels in a display case. The building was designed by Meyer & Holler, the same firm behind neighborhood landmarks like the Chinese Theatre and the Egyptian Theatre. Over the years, its role evolved from luxury cars to more everyday commercial uses. For a period, it also housed the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, dedicated to the history of film and television, until it closed in 2008. From a heritage perspective, the Petersen Building is one of the “contributing” structures in the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, recognizing its historical and architectural significance on a national scale. Before you move on, take a moment to study the façade: its clean geometric lines, sculpted details, and arched windows hint at a Hollywood before the neon lights, when the allure of the city was reflected in elegant car showrooms.