The three-story building at 230 1/2 N Larchmont was built in 1925 as a home for the Mason’s Grand Lodge #614 of California, joining a new business district called Larchmont Village founded in 1921. Masons were local merchants, craftsmen, and community leaders – only male – so it was common for Masonic buildings of the era to have commercial shops on the first floor while “temples” were located above the ground level. Temple windows — if they existed — were either stained glass or built well above eye level to ensure privacy.

These large spaces with high ceilings often included raised platforms on their periphery where leaders would be seated on elaborate thrones during ceremonies. The center of the floor often featured a ceremonial altar and most members were seated around the altar on the same level. A brick layer could be next to a banker; all were considered equals as Masons.