[Tetsu]

Originally Posted by JScott

Architecturally, 516-1/2 S. Figueroa does look like it could be from that approximate time period. However, it does not appear in that location on the 1894 Sanborn map.


Los Angeles Public Library/Digital Sanborn Maps 1867-1970


But it IS there on the 1906 map.


Los Angeles Public Library/Digital Sanborn Maps 1867-1970

And closer still. It looks to be in pretty good condition here.


USC Digital Library/California Historical Society: Panoramic view of Los Angeles, showing Sixth Street, Figueroa Street, Flower Street, east side of Sixth Street, ca.1916 (detail). Photographer: C.C. Pierce.

Amazing to see the neighborhood as it looked back then. Thanks for finding that panorama pic & digging up the Sanborn maps! GaylordWilshire, looks to me like a safe bet that you're right about the property owners moving the house back and altering it. So I guess the Palmer Conner caption of "oldest bldg in Downtown LA" was wrong, but it probably did predate everything else left on the block by the time the photo was taken.