The Botanical Building in San Diego's Balboa Park, built for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition, is one of the anchor buildings within this multicultural park.  With the La Laguna de Las Flores in the foreground, the historic building is one of the largest lath structures in the world.

The park itself is truly a gem in this city. Initially starting out as mostly open space, the city began construction for the Exposition in 1911. Subsequent expositions were held in the 30s.  The 40s saw the park used by the US Military.  Additional buildings were added post WWII.  As the 80s and 90s came to a close, Balboa Park experienced a peak in violent crime, grabbing the the attention of former California resident, Bruce Springsteen, in his same-titled song, Balboa Park from his Ghost of Tom Joad album.    

In the last decade, the park has enjoyed a wonderful renaissance and has truly become a multicultural center, showing the true potential of what an open society can be. 

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