The Barclay Hotel is a beautifully crafted Beaux-Arts style building located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. It was originally named The Van Nuys Hotel because it was built for Isaac Newton Van Nuys who was a farmer, businessman, and early developer of the San Fernando Valley. It was designed by the architecture firm Morgan & Walls and construction began in 1896. Its doors were first opened to the public on January 19, 1897.  On February 23, 1925 its name was changed to the Barclay Hotel. On February 1, 1985 the Barclay Hotel was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument #288 by The Cultural Heritage Commission.