Ed Fuentes

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES —

A few steps away from the tiled entrance to the Higgins Building, a small plaque marking historical designation was framed by a small yellow ribbon last night for its unveiling. Inside the crowded lobby current residents, conservation leaders and Jan Perry gathered to celebrate a notable example of Downtown preservation.

The gathering also brought back family of the building's past. Original building owner Thomas Higgins was heavily involved in the structure's design, and on this date great-grandnephew and Downtown Deputy District Attorney Thomas P. Higgins was on hand with enough sons to fill a float in the St. Patrick's Day parade down Main street. Also present was co-chairman of AC Martin Partners, David C. Martin. Martin's great-grandfather was Albert Casey Martin, the building's Engineer. The Higgins was Martin's first major project, and home to his offices for several decades.

The 1910 building once represented early 20th century ambition, fell into neglect in the 1970s, and experienced both a rebirth and developer controversy in its recent residential conversion. It doesn't need a plaque to vouch for its history, but it's a nice touch.

Left, Thomas P. Higgins and David C. Martin. Right, Councilwoman Jan Perry presents the building with a City resolution.