Commerce, California: Assyrian Tire Temple
Replica of an ancient Assyrian temple, built in 1929 as a factory for Samson brand tires (The biblical Samson lived during the height of the Assyrian empire). Stood abandoned for years, was then restored as an outlet mall in 2003. The walls feature impressive details.
The Citadel
- Address:
- 5675 Telegraph Rd, Commerce, CA
- Directions:
- I-5 exit 129. Turn north, and then a quick right onto Telegraph Rd, paralleling the freeway. You'll soon see the Temple ahead, on the left.
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Apparently Commerce, CA rivaled Detroit in tire/rubber production through the 1960s, and this building feels very Detroit-Cleveland-esque. Supposedly it was built to mimic the palace of Assyrian King Sargon II, the walls have hidden gems, like a series of triangular engravings that literally tell Sargon's story. The parking garages servicing the Outlets surrounding it carry the imagery throughout and which is uncommon and nice to see. Not sure if it's worth the stop, but if visiting the outlets or staying at the hotel there, definitely worth wandering around. You can pull in infront of the building and park to look at up close, but there is a busy road then highway, so hard to see the building as a whole.
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