Western Costume

Recognizing the industry's need for a rental business, L. L. Burns founded Western Costume Company in 1912, and named it after the genre of films it dressed.

DeMille ultimately purchased the studio space for Jesse L. Lasky Feature Play Company, making it the home of what would soon become Paramount Pictures.

In order to be closer to the heart of the film industry, Western's new owners moved the company from downtown to Melrose Ave., directly adjacent to the Bronson Gate at Paramount.

He approached the heads of several major studios who, faced with the prospect of losing an industry pillar, agreed to purchase the company.

In 1988, Paramount purchased Western with the intent to sell the company and keep the land it occupied; they were eager to expand the southern border of their lot.