Capitol Records Building: A Beacon of Encrypted Messages Since 1956
Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, the Capitol Records Building, with its distinctive circular design, has been an architectural symbol of the music industry since its construction in 1956. Known for its iconic design reminiscent of a stack of records on a turntable, the building has been home to some of the most influential names in music, such as Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and the Beach Boys. But there's more to this historic landmark than meets the eye. For over six decades, the Capitol Records Building has been transmitting secret encrypted messages into the night sky of Los Angeles.
A Bit of Background
The Capitol Records Building, designed by Welton Becket, was the world's first circular office tower, standing at 13 stories high. It was, and remains, a fitting testament to the creativity and innovation of the music industry. What is perhaps less known is the contribution to this legacy made by a certain beacon light installed at the top of the building. This spire, originally purposed as an aircraft warning light, has served as a clandestine messenger, tirelessly blinking out coded transmissions since the building's inception.