Warner Bros. Film Exchange

508 Park Ave. - 1929

This three story building was constructed in1929 by Warner Brothers as a storage facility for film.  Even though this was the structure's primary function, a few small recording studios were also constructed in the building.  Brunswick Records used this studio space for recording.  Delta Blues artist Robert Johnson reportedly recorded 13 songs inside the studios in 1937.  Many music experts say that these 13 recordings shaped the course of blues and rock 'n roll.  Notable acts like Muddy Waters, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones say they were influenced by Johnson's Music. 

The Art Deco building's base is clad in white limestone with ochre brick on the second and third floors.  Cast stone finials and panels are positioned on the parapet.  Windows on the ground floor have been filled in with limestone that matches the base.  The entrance is set apart from the building by a tower and a change to black granite for the base material.  The shaft of the tower returns to the ochre brick and the top is trimmed out in cast stone with a gargoyle centered on the very top.  All signs indicating this to be the Warner Bros. building have been removed; however, a faint ghost of the painted sign on the north side of the penthouse reads "Warner Bros. Pictures".