Bullocks Wilshire Building
Designed by renowned Los Angeles architects John and Donald Parkinson and conceived by business partners John G. Bullock and P.G. Winnett, the Bullocks Wilshire Building operated as a luxury department store for more than 60 years. In 1994, Southwestern purchased the Art Deco landmark and set out to convert it into a dynamic academic venue, while retaining its historic character. Through its adaptive reuse, the law school now utilizes the building for cutting-edge scholastic, professional and social resources that represent the heart of the Southwestern community.
The school's beautiful and expansive Leigh H. Taylor Law Library, which occupies about one-third of the building, is the second-largest private academic law library in the state. The Julian C. Dixon Courtroom and Advocacy Center, located on the first floor, is wired with video cameras and plasma screens for interactive learning. The legendary Tea Room on the fifth floor, once a destination for the city's elite, is now a dining area and cafeteria for students and faculty. Tiered classrooms and seminar spaces wired with multimedia technology, faculty offices with floor-to-ceiling windows, student lounges and study areas, as well as garden terraces with panoramic views round out the edifice's upgrade.
Southwestern has received numerous honors from preservation groups for its sensitive restoration of the structure. Blending elegant architecture with state-of-the-art educational resources, the Bullocks Wilshire Building epitomizes Southwestern's commitment to excellence.
Note: Because it is part of the Southwestern campus, the Bullocks Wilshire Building is not open to the public on a day-to-day basis. However, special tours are offered to Friends of Bullocks Wilshire in the summer.
Photos of Exterior
Photos of Rooms
Photos of Architectural Details
Photos of Artwork
Photos of Clocks and Chandeliers
- FAQs
Q: May I visit the Bullocks Wilshire Building?
A: Because it is part of the Southwestern Law School campus (encompassing the Taylor Library, the Dixon Center, classrooms, offices and function rooms to accommodate the school's academic programs), the Bullocks Wilshire Building is not open to the public on a day-to-day basis. However, once a year, the building is open to the public for special Open House. Currently, this event is scheduled during the summer—a period when regular classes are not in session—and reservations are required to accommodate the demand.
Q: I'd like to receive an invitation to events that are open to the public. How do I arrange that?
A: We will be happy to notify you of future public events. Please send a request with your name, address, telephone number and email address to:
Friends of Bullocks Wilshire
Institutional Advancement
Southwestern Law School
3050 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Fax: (213) 736-1205
Email: events@swlaw.edu
Q: How can I participate in the preservation efforts for the Bullocks Wilshire Building?A: Members of the Friends of Bullocks Wilshire share an interest in the preservation and long-term future of the building. Your annual contribution helps support continuing restoration projects and educational programs. In addition, those who join Friends of Bullocks Wilshire at the Sponsor Level and above ($100 or more) also receive invitations to special, exclusive building events. Other giving/naming opportunities associated with the landmark are also available.
Q: How can I join the Friends of Bullocks Wilshire?A: Click here for more information on joining the Friends of Bullocks Wilshire.
Q: My organization is interested in holding an event in the Bullocks Wilshire Building. Is it available for meetings or special events?A: Yes, to the extent possible without conflicting with the educational program, the Bullocks Wilshire building's public rooms are available for rental. For more information on the available rooms, visit the Room Rentals page. To request a room, read the Facilities Usage Policies and complete the Facilities Usage Request form (PDF) on that page.
Q: I am interested in the Bullocks Wilshire Building for an event but I am not sure if the location is ideal. Can I make an appointment to see the space?A: Yes. You may contact our Director of Events at events@swlaw.edu to discuss your event date and needs. You may also schedule an appointment at that time.
Q: I am interested in having an event at Southwestern, can I bring in an outside catering company?A: Southwestern works exclusively with a full-service catering company that provides catering for all events held on campus. Once a rental date has been approved, the individual or organization will be put in contact with the catering company.
Q: I am taking a course and have selected the Bullocks Wilshire Building as the subject of my current project. May I come by to take photos of the building?A: Because it is part of the Southwestern campus, housing facilities that serve the academic programs of the law school, the Bullocks Wilshire Building is not open to the public on a day-to-day basis. Photography and architecture students wishing to photograph the inside of the building for personal, non-commercial use for an academic project must call or email in advance with a request to visit. Accommodations for such requests are limited and will only be scheduled as time allows. Please see the Room Rentals page for more information.
Q: I love the Bullocks Wilshire Building and photography is my hobby. May I visit the building and take pictures for my own personal use?A: Because it is part of the Southwestern campus, housing facilities that serve the academic programs of the law school, the Bullocks Wilshire Building is not open to the public on a day-to-day basis. However, once a year, the building is open to the public for a special Open House. Currently, this event is scheduled during the summer—a period when regular classes are not in session—and reservations are required to accommodate the demand. Plus, those who join Friends of Bullocks Wilshire at the Sponsor Level and above ($100 or more) also receive invitations to special, exclusive building events. Visitors may take photographs during these events for personal, non-commercial use.
Q: I am interested in filming in the Bullocks Wilshire Building for a commercial or non-commercial production. Who do I contact about this?A: Details regarding whom to contact for filming requests can be found on the Room Rentals page.