Wessex Hotel: The Dark History of the Sealed 13th Floor
Standing as a relic of the late 19th century, the Wessex Hotel in Los Angeles is a striking example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1898, the structure rises 16 floors into the skyline, but it harbors a secret that has remained hidden from the public eye for nearly a century.
The Tragedy of the 13th Floor
While the hotel was designed as a luxury destination, its history was forever stained by the actions of a man named Avery Block. A serial killer driven by a delusional quest for immortality, Block believed that by taking the lives of others, he could achieve eternal life.
Block lured his own friends to the hotel's 13th floor, where he carried out a brutal massacre using a fire ax. The violence of these crimes left a permanent mark on the building's legacy.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]The Great Seal of 1901
In the wake of the murders, the hotel management took drastic measures to erase the memory of the tragedy and protect future guests. In October 1901, the 13th floor was completely sealed off from the rest of the building.
To ensure the floor remained invisible to the outside world, a frieze—a decorative architectural band—was erected around the exterior of the building, effectively masking the existence of the 13th floor from street view.
A Modern Investigation
For ninety years, the sealed floor remained a silent void within the hotel. However, the mystery resurfaced when Traveler's Review magazine dispatched journalist Elaine Kalisher to the Wessex Hotel to write a travel article, bringing a modern lens to the building's grim past.
Key Facts
- Location: Los Angeles, California.
- Construction Year: 1898.
- Architecture Style: Victorian.
- Total Height: 16 floors.
- The Perpetrator: Avery Block, a serial killer who used a fire ax.
- The Seal Date: October 1901.
- Cover-up Method: An external frieze was installed to hide the 13th floor.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year Built | 1898 |
| Total Floors | 16 |
| Incident Location | 13th Floor |
| Closure Date | October 1901 |
| Investigating Journalist | Elaine Kalisher |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Wessex Hotel built?
The Wessex Hotel was constructed in 1898 in Los Angeles.
Who was Avery Block?
Avery Block was a serial killer who murdered his friends on the 13th floor of the hotel with a fire ax in an attempt to achieve immortality.
Why is the 13th floor sealed?
The floor was sealed in October 1901 following the murders committed by Avery Block to prevent access and hide the site of the crimes.
How did the hotel hide the 13th floor from the outside?
The hotel installed a frieze around the building's exterior to cover the 13th floor from view.
Who is Elaine Kalisher?
Elaine Kalisher is a writer for Traveler's Review magazine who visited the hotel ninety years after the floor was sealed to write a travel piece.