City Hall

I don’t have the energy to tackle a proper review for the parking permit dept. A Hit or Miss (Some will have it easy while others will be frustrated and wonder «WTF?»). One point for the month long shenanigans and another one for the sheer relief of finally getting the permit.

The ladies who work in parking division are so nice! Love them so much. Makes it easy to get permits if you live in culver city. Do yourself a favor and stop getting tickets for street sweeping and go see the city hall parking office today!

It seems everyone had a positive passport experience here, but I had the exact opposite. This might be because their policy has changed (in a very negative way I might add). I arrived at the Clerk’s office only to realize they did not offer photos there. So I ran back out and got photos elsewhere, bringing along with me all the other necessary items required to get a passport. When I got back there was no one at the desk but a phone, which I had to use to call someone. On the phone I politely said I was there to process my application. The lady told me I had to make an appointment. So I called the number she gave me and was directed to an INCREDIBLY long menu, and then directed to another LONG menu, until all I was able to do to make an appointment was leave a voice mail. There was no representative to talk to so that you could figure out what days were available, ask questions, etc. But I figured it was for the best and I asked for three specific days: January 13 – 15. When I received an email from the clerk confirming my appointment, it mockingly said my appointment date was on February 17! Absolutely disgusting, especially since today I went to a Post Office and was able to get my application processed in 45 minutes, no appointment, and no waiting when I was there.
I don’t know what policy changed, but this is bureaucracy at its worst.

Nice, unique building. Not too difficult parking. Located in a sunny town square. There are a LOT worse places to have to do business.

Amazing experience. Came here for passport service with no appointment. Wait was totally reasonable, staff was efficient and friendly. Passport came in two weeks. What a totally difference experience from the USPS which was beyond awful.

This parking structure is great if you actually have business at City Hall or are going to Kirk Douglas. HOWEVER, if there are no shows at Kirk Douglas, you’re not allowed to park there at all. I attempted to this weekend, and a guard stopped me as I emerged from the stairs and told me since there were no shows across the street, they could close the structure at any time.
So park at your own risk.

I think the people who work here are either zombies or functionally retarded. I’m from a big city where the city services are usually jam packed and they are still more efficient at servicing citizens than this place. It took me over an hour to get a temp parking permit, and I was the only person in line. WTF

What a gorgeous building in Culver City! Love the architecture~ It shows part of the history of the city. It is very well maintained. Just walking around the building… feeling very peaceful. The city hall is very situated in the heart of Culver City. Walking distance to lots amazing restaurants.
There is underground parking. Weekends are FREE. It is nice to park the car in the city hall parking structure (no stress about parking fee) and walk around downtown Culver City.

This passport service offered by the City Clerk is first class service. Bring little bit of time. The clerk is way way way nicer than any of the USPS cranky employees! Thanks for making gov a good experience.

This City of Culver City is A Gem to all who know it… Many cites envision there city to be like Culver City… The Staff, The Police Dept The Fire Dept are top notch… This is the place to live shop and do business in… Henry Culver Would have been proud!!!

Beautiful architecture in downtown Culver City. Free parking after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends!!!

Gorgeous building for you architecture buffs. I wish all city halls looked like this.
Oh they also have some music shows every once in a while here, worth checking out.

Attended 2 consecutive events and It’s a Free Musical concerts. It’s a fun way to go after work to relax, unwind and listening to the music. The music is great and have a variety of music to offer every Thursday. Come and join us tomorrow for another event.

As city halls go, this is pretty well set out. Very nice outer courtyard, with a fountain and landscaping. The summer music festival goes on in the courtyard on Thursday nights from June through Labor Day. They get some pretty good talent and everyone comes out for it.
Inside it’s set out to be user-​friendly and it’s easy to find your way to all the departments. Police station is around the corner on Duquesne, Fire Dept down the street on Culver. Small post office nearby. And of course all the restaurants in the now-​hip Culver City downtown area.
And by the way… You can park in the underground City Hall parking lot on Duquesne (just south of Culver) any time you want, and walk a block or two to the restaurants and movies. Free parking and open until 11 pm.

Last week I finally took the time to explore this City Hall and its grounds with my camera: beautiful.
The setting rivals another of my fave vintage City Hall complexes, in Beverly Hills.
Culver City’s City Hall and surrounding Heritage Park might even surpass BH when it comes to landscape design, it’s that impressive.
The ornate, decorative entrance
bears a plaque with this description:
«This structure is a 1995 reconstruction of the original 1928 entry wall. It opens onto Heritage Park, which occupies the old City Hall footprint.»
I wasn’t living in LA as far back as ’95, so I don’t have any idea what was reconstructed, and what remains of the original… but whatever they did, looks they did it right as far as blending functionality with aesthetics.
I love fountains, and there are some lovely ones here, including two in courtyards near the main entrance to the structure. Here’s one,
and another is just inside the building.
And another large, elegant fountain is in the park space.
In addition to the fountain, and many secluded seating areas, the park incorporates lush grassy areas with lots of shade trees.
And there’s this camera sculpture, in keeping with local history.
And the charming old brick walls, which I assume are part of the original city hall,
each bearing a quote.
Overall, well done. If you have a chance, have a look.

Beautiful structure! Check out the fountains.
The summer sunset music series takes place here. On Thursday evenings, bring chair or blanket and enjoy some live music.