Downey block on Main Street showing the site of the new Federal Building in Los Angeles, ca.1888

Photograph of a view of the Downey block on Main Street showing the site of the new Federal Building, ca.1888. The Cosmopolitan Hotel (formerly the Lafayette Hotel; subsequently the St. Elmo Hotel) can be seen in the lower right corner; its façade is Romanesque and there are awnings on the lower level and a balcony over the entryway. There are several horse drawn vehicles parked on the street in front of this building. Next to this building are several other shops, including a large "Photographic Gallery". In the background a sign advertises "City Of Paris Dry Goods and Fancy Goods". The structure with the triangular, peaked roof in the middle, at left (above the Cosmopolitan Hotel) was built in 1864 as the St. Athanasius Episcopal Church; it was the first Protestant Church in Los Angeles located at the south-west corner of Temple and New High Streets. In the background, at left, the Nadeau Hotel (1882-1931) can be seen; it was located at the south-west corner of Spring and First Streets. The Bunker Hill with houses and trees can be seen on the right side. See USC-1-1-1-593 for a cropped view.