fbpx DAN | Daily Architecture News Checking in: Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio - DAN | Daily Architecture News
Checking in: Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio

Checking in: Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio

Design
Hospitality Design
News
07-04-2222
WATCH: Global architecture, art and design highlights, including Downtown LA Proper Hotel.

For her latest project, Kelly Wearstler, internationally recognised founder and principal of Kelly Wearstler design studio, has channelled her signature style into shaping the interiors of the new Downtown LA Proper Hotel. Set in a reimagined California Renaissance Revival building in the heart of Downtown’s South Park District, adjacent to the Fashion District, the 148-room hotel showcases a design that blends vintage elements from the property’s historic roots with modern influences, forging a lively hub for local creatives.

“Our Proper Hospitality team is deeply inspired by the pulse of this distinct and historic pocket of Downtown LA that speaks to our hometown’s past and future,” says Brian De Lowe, co-founder and president of Proper Hospitality. “We’re excited to be part of the renaissance taking place within the Broadway Corridor with partners who share our vision of creating a vibrant and welcoming hospitality experience that reflects the surrounding culture and community.” 

Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio
Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio

Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio

Constructed by iconic Los Angeles architects Curlett & Beelman in the 1920s, the property was initially a private club whose members included luminaries such as Cecil B. DeMille, and was subsequently a YWCA in the 1960s. The Kor Group, the LA-based real estate developer led by Proper Hospitality, and Kelly have reimagined this storied history with a modern palette, drawing inspiration from Downtown LA to layer vestiges from the 1920s with elements of Spanish, Portuguese, Mexican and Moroccan design. 

In addition to vintage furniture and rugs, Kelly and her team haas employed more than 100 different kinds of hand-painted and custom tiles throughout the property, while site-specific murals and installations by local talents (such as stained glass by Judson Studios and ceramic works from Morgan Peck) bring further dimension to the public spaces. 

“It was incredible working with the Proper Hospitality team to transform such an iconic and historic building in Downtown LA,” Kelly says. “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. The building is also a Historic-Cultural Monument, so we maintained some of the original integrity and fabric, like the window casing and brickwork, while elevating it with contemporary jewel tones, patterns and plasterwork.” 

Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio

Deeply residential in feel, each of the rooms and suites is a canvas for curated pieces and specially designed furnishings with charcoal and mauve tones lending depth and warmth. Nodding to its former life as a YWCA, stand-out features of the hotel include the sizeable Proper Basketball Court and Proper Pool suite featuring a full-sized indoor swimming pool, accented by a ceramic mural by local artist Ben Medansky. Signature Proper comforts and in-room amenities include Fili D’oro Fine Linens, Aesop bath amenities, Kelly Wearstler x Parachute Home robes. 

Celebrated chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne have joined the party to bring the culinary program to life in three distinct spaces. Lobby level restaurant and bar, Caldo Verde, is a focal point within the hotel and neighbourhood at-large, showcasing Suzanne and Caroline’s nuanced and warm approach to hospitality. Open for three meals a day, the restaurant draws inspiration from Portuguese and Spanish influences, while finding expression through the lens of Southern California. 

In the weeks following the opening of the hotel, Cara Cara, the restaurant and lounge located on the rooftop, with sweeping and unobstructed city views, debuted with a menu similarly grounded in multicultural inspirations including Mexican flavours. Crafted to complement the unrivalled rooftop and poolside experience, dishes include local seafood aquachile, seasonal focaccia from the wood-fired oven and tacos. Later in the summer, Suzanne and Caroline will introduce Dalia, an intimate ground level classic cocktail lounge and bar showcasing small-batch spirits in refined presentations. 

kellywearstler.com

Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio

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.

Kelly Wearstler Founder, Kelly Wearstler design studio
Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio
Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio
Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio
Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio
Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio
Downtown LA Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler design studio
Celebrated American designer Kelly Wearstler pictured on-site at the Downtown LA Proper Hotel.

Catch up on more architecture, art and design highlights. Plus, join the mailing list to receive the Daily Architecture News e-letter direct to your inbox.

Related stories

Advertisement
Login to join the conversation

Subscriber comments are moderated first. Respect others. Criticise ideas, not people. No offensive language View commenting guidelines

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Further Reading
View all in Design
Bethan Gray launches Inky Dhow collection during Milan Design Week
Titled Inky Dhow, the collection has naturally followed on from the designer’s original Dhow series of drawings, first imagined on a trip to Oman where she was transfixed by the sails of the dhow boats as they rippled in the wind on their passage out to the Arabian Sea. The billowing movement formed the catalyst […]
Design
08-06-2222
Formafantasma designs 'T Shelf' shelving system for Hem
Guided by practice co-founders Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin, the work of Formafantasma first resonated with Hem’s founder, Petrus Palmér, in 2010. For more than a decade since, Petrus has followed the designers and the steady flow of work dispatched from their studios in Milan and Rotterdam. “It was clear from the start that they […]
Design
14-04-2222
‘Treasure hunt’: Joi Murugavell hides secret messages in Finding Mikey exhibition 
The exhibition’s title, Finding Mikey, is a direct reference to Joi’s working relationship with her colleague and friend – Mikey – who has long scanned and documented her colour-filled collages and paintings. “When I think of the title and why I called it that, I think of my practice and the people who are in it,” Joi […]
Design
07-04-2222
Greco-Roman fabric collection by Greg Natale for Elliott Clarke
Promising to deliver “old-world inspiration” through “new-world innovation”, the Greg Natale fabric collection for Elliott Clarke, titled Greco-Roman, is mostly inspired by classical architecture, recast through a contemporary lens. “These beautiful designs will add an opulent layer of colour, pattern and texture to any room,” insists Greg, who has long admired the textiles made available […]
Design
01-04-2222
Koskela opens new store in award-winning Sub Base Platypus precinct
Joining the lineup of attractions this month is purpose-led lifestyle label Koskela, which will on Saturday launch a new concept store and home-base at Sub Base Platypus, starring refreshed branding by Frost*collective. Leaving behind the much-loved headquarters in Rosebery, Koskela co-founder Sasha Titchkosky says the new space, located on Cammeraygal land, will continue to showcase […]
Design
16-03-2222
Pierre Yovanovitch shows new furniture at Nomad fair in St. Moritz
Driven by the desire to create regionally focused, locally sourced furniture – underscored by “radical modernity” – the installation is a reflection of Pierre’s long-standing design passion and mastery of scenography. The 23 furniture and lighting pieces on-show are set within three alpine-inspired rooms, allowing visitors to experience the works in-situ as if they were within […]
Design
04-03-2222

Back to Top