The Dingbat

To most people the word Dingbat means either a typography style or Edith Bunker. The word does have another meaning. It is the name of a quirky architectural style. A Dingbat building is a style of architecture very popular in Southern California in the mid-century. 

The Dingbat is notable for its tucked under parking. The ground floors of these buildings have parking spaces and the living space starts on the second level. They were very popular in Los Angles with its dense population  and narrow lots. Dingbats are usually apartment buildings with normally two or threw stories.
The Dingbat has its detractors claiming them to be cheap looking and not the safest places during an earthquake. There is some truth in this reaction but they also have an essence of the mid-century modern Los Angeles look. Dingbats are now being looked at in a new light and being appreciated. The shear silliness of man of the buildings now have a quaint old time feel and very kitschy names.