After a series of soft openings in January, the Ace Hotel has quickly become one of the most talked about destinations in Los Angeles. Situated on Broadway in America’s second largest theatre district, the Ace enlisted the help of Commune Design to merge the Golden Age with the Digital Age.
Located in the historic United Artists building, it was the highest structure in Los Angeles when completed in 1927. The guest rooms are inspired by modernist architect Rudolph Schindler’s residence in West Hollywood. Each detail is meticulously addressed: from the custom, Mondrian-style Pendleton blankets (also available to buy at the front desk) to the designated “Maid Tip” envelops (in case you forget).
Exterior
Working closely with the Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation, much of the Ace Hotel’s decor is repurposed from its newly restored United Artists Theatre. Originally conceived for the maverick United Artists film studio, it was the brainchild of silent film star Mary Pickford. She and its other founders – Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, and Douglas Fairbanks – enlisted architect C. Howard Crane to actualize this Spanish Gothic showplace. Now, the Theatre at Ace Hotel is reviving their legacy. On Valentine’s Day weekend, Spiritualized performed two sold-out shows of their third studio album, Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space, with a full 30-piece orchestra and choir.
The aptly named Upstairs rooftop pool and lounge is a playful nod to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House and Les Deux Café, Michèle Lamy’s former, Hollywood hot spot. Landscape designer Matthew Brown has outfitted the terrace with indigenous plants such as “San Diego Red” Bougainvillea that was part of Mary Pickford’s estate. There is also a naked coral tree to delineate the seasons, adding to its dramatic views of downtown Los Angeles.
Photo by Spencer Lowell
To satisfy the displaced New Yorker, of which there are many, the Ace imported Five Leaves Chef Ken Addington and restaurateur Jud Mongell to create LA Chapter. The fare includes some the Brooklyn joint’s signature dishes along with a new West Coast menu. All their ingredients are locally-sourced and there is even a “house-curated, all-vinyl music program” which complements the ethos of the Ace.
“For us…the biggest move to be green is to start with a building and make it great again,” says Brad Wilson, President of the Ace, “that’s the core.”
Courtesy of Ace Hotel
