THRASHER THIS OLD LEDGE | DWP LOS ANGELES

13 Dec THRASHER THIS OLD LEDGE | DWP LOS ANGELES

Thrasher This Old Ledge: The Iconic DWP Benches in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has a rich skateboarding history, and the Department of Water and Power (DWP) headquarters is a cornerstone of that legacy. Featured in the new Thrasher This Old Ledge, this spot is more than just a skate location—it’s an architectural marvel and a cultural icon. The building, completed in 1965, embodies modernist design with its clean lines, floating floor planes, and flame-treated granite. But for skaters, it’s the benches that truly shine.

The Heart of DWP: Engineering Meets Elegance

The DWP building, designed by AC Martin and Associates, symbolizes LA’s man-made Mediterranean climate. It sits in the heart of Bunker Hill, an area once known for its Victorian mansions. Redevelopment in the mid-20th century transformed this space into a corporate hub, featuring landmarks like the Union Bank building and the DWP headquarters. Skaters have long admired the benches outside this structure, which embody the clarity, balance, and simplicity of the building itself.

Why the DWP Benches Are Legendary

The benches at the DWP are arguably the best for skateboarding. Inspired by Mies van der Rohe’s 1929 German Pavilion bench design, they feature a single slab of polished granite supported by two block-like legs. The layout of these benches is ideal for technical tricks, encouraging creative lines both inside and outside the building’s perimeter. In Thrasher This Old Ledge, Ted Barrow highlights legendary moments captured here. Clips of Jason Dill, Mike Carroll, and Sammy Baptista showcase the unparalleled grind and slide potential of these benches.

A Spot Both Timeless and Challenging

Despite their perfection, skating at the DWP has always been a challenge. The building’s prominence and strict security make filming clips here an impressive feat. As the headquarters lights up at night, it creates an ideal atmosphere for filming without additional lighting. Yet, the benches have been skate-stopped in recent years, adding to their mystique as a legendary but elusive spot.

In Thrasher This Old Ledge, the DWP benches represent the intersection of architecture, culture, and skateboarding. For those lucky enough to have skated there, it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of LA’s skate scene.