4.22.22 | DIGS.NET 25
A
R
C
H
I
T
E
C
T
U
R
E
+
D
E
S
I
G
N
J O U R N E Y S | D O W N T O W N L A P R O P E R H OT E L
In
THE HEART OF the South Park
district, what was a private
club in the 1920s followed
by a YWCA in the 1960s
has just begun a new phase.
Originally designed by
renowned architects Curlett
and Beelman, the iconic
California renaissance revival building is now
home to Downtown L.A. Proper. Its historic
character was preserved during the renovation
and now combines with an eye-catching look
created by Kelly Wearstler. Mastering the art
of mixing and matching, the designer blends
past and present in all the spaces, which are
adorned with local art and vintage references.
Wearstler intertwined several influences, from
Downtown LA to Mexican modernism to French,
Spanish, Portuguese and Moroccan elements.
"The design of the hotel was greatly inspired
by the community — early California, Spanish
missions and the Los Angeles Herald Examiner
building across the street," says Wearstler. "The
building is also a Historic-Cultural Monument,
so we maintained some of the original integrity
and fabric, like the window casing and brick-
work, while elevating it with contemporary jewel
tones, patterns and plasterwork."
More than 100 different kinds of tile were used
throughout, as well as site-specific murals and
installations by stained glass experts from
Judson Studios and ceramicist Morgan Peck,
among others.
Characterized by their residential feel and filled with natural
light, the 148 rooms and suites features vintage and custom-
made pieces of furniture and hand-applied plaster detailing
in an atmosphere where a warm palette of charcoals and
mauves prevails. Two of the suites — which are an ode to
the building's past as a YWCA — particularly stand out. The
1,300-plus-square-foot Proper basketball court reimagines
the building's original vintage court through its décor, while the
2,777-square-foot Proper Pool suite comprises a 35-by-12 foot
indoor swimming pool with a ceramic mural by Los Angeles
artist Ben Medansky.
Patterns, textiles and colors also embellish the public areas,
including the restaurants led by James Beard Award-winning
LA chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne that are
a feast for the eyes. On the lobby level, Caldo Verde honors
Portuguese and Spanish cuisine with a Southern California twist.
At the rooftop restaurant and lounge, diners enjoy unobstructed
city views while savoring dishes inspired from sunny coasts
around the world. Set to open soon, Dalia will be an intimate
classic cocktail lounge and bar.
Offering visual surprises in every nook, Downtown L.A. Proper
is the new hot spot that cannot be missed. properhotel.com
