I decided recently to go on the Figueroa Corridor Angels Walk tour (self-guided) with a friend, and beforehand I wanted to check out the recently cleaned Palace Theater. I’ve always known that the building was historic and had character; however, the amount of detail, color, and history revealed by the recent chemical-peel-for-buildings is beyond words.

Previous view of the Palace Theater in August, 2005, courtesy Jim Winstead Jr. via flickr:

Similar view from Saturday, August 25, 2007:

Palace Theater (former Orpheum Theater).

As you can see, the chemical cleaning has removed decades of grime and filth. The cleaning has exposed vibrant greens, reds, and golds from behind the dirt. One of the more interesting results of the cleaning is that it revealed the original “ORPHEUM” sign, hidden for years under a layer of plaster.

I can’t even imagine the attention Broadway would receive if every building owner were to simply clean the facades of their buildings, remove any modernist facade additions, and remove graffiti.

The complete Palace Theater Photo set can be seen here.