It has 32 floors and, at 454 feet (138 m) high, is the tallest base-isolated structure in the world, having undergone a seismic retrofit from 1998 to 2001, so that the building will sustain minimal damage and remain functional after a magnitude 8.2 earthquake.

[2] City Hall's distinctive tower was modelled after the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world,[8] and shows the influence of the Los Angeles Public Library, completed shortly before the structure was begun.

[11] City Hall has an observation deck, free to the public and open Monday through Friday during business hours.

[14] Prior to the completion of the current structure, the L.A. City Council utilized various other buildings: The Mayor of Los Angeles has an office in room 300.

As this ample interior space is named, the Mayor Tom Bradley Room is used for ceremonies and other special occasions.

James K. Hahn City Hall East, 200 N. Main St., is located in the South Plaza of the Los Angeles Mall, a sunken, multi-level series of open spaces and retail space on the east side of Main Street straddling Temple Street.