Bunker Hill Steps
Bryant Irawan/Indonesia Media
 Before World War I, the Bunker Hill Steps acted as bridge linking the residents
of Los Angeles on the top to the commercial zones below. Presently, it is now used to
provide easy transportation between the Bunker Hill commercial and cultural
development, other major downtown centers, and the Central Library. Elders should not
be intimidated by the stairs towering presence. Escalators are available along one side of
the stairs, while outdoor cafes line up on the other side. On top, you can view the ‘Source Figure’ by internationally renowned sculptor, Robert Graham & Acts, as a source of water that cascade down the center of the stairs.
 Bunker Hill's history begins with
Prudent Beaudry, a wealthy developer, purchasing a major portion of the hill impressed
with the hills excellent views of the Los Angeles Basin and the Los Angeles River in 1867.
At the zenith of the hill, Prudent began to construct rows of elegant two-story Victorian houses.
This residential section became known for housing the upper-class, educated residents of
Los Angeles. Much like Bunker Hill, Angels Flight, a nearby railway, also served as a
means of transportation to connect residential areas and dense commercial areas. Bunker
 Hill's exclusiveness lasted until the end of World War I, when many of the wealthy
residents moved to West Pasadena from increasing urban growth. By World War 11, the
Pasadena Freeway was constructed and helped carried even more wealthy residents out to
the suburbs of Los Angeles. After a few decades, Bunker Hill was completely swallowed
 by the neighboring commercial zoning. Homes were stepped on from modern skyscrapers
and the city continued to breed in monumental proportions. By the 21 century, the city
of Los Angeles decided to require developers to build mixed-use residential building,
buildings with first floors devoted to commercial retailers, as much as possible hoping to
bring an end with the departure of Los Angeles' residents.
 
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