Dezeen Magazine

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

The Ace Hotel chain has opened its newest outpost inside a 1920s tower in downtown Los Angeles, complete with a 1600-seat theatre.

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

Ace Hotel's in-house design team worked with local firm Commune Design to restore and renovate the building formerly used by film studio United Artists, located in LA's Broadway Theatre District.

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

"While the theatre's original design was a lush interpretation of the Spanish Gothic style, the tower's facade hid a minimalist poured concrete structure," said Atelier Ace. "Therein lies the basis for the concept at Ace Hotel's newest home - the marriage between... 1920s Hollywood glamour and modern minimalism."

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

As a contrast to the tower's Gothic exterior, the guest rooms are kept minimal and maintain their original poured concrete ceilings.

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

Commune Design referenced twentieth-century architect Rudolf Schindler's West Hollywood residence when designing the decor.

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

The furniture in the rooms is made of dark grey-tinted MDF, while splashes of colour are provided by the upholstery and artwork. Bathrooms fitted with brass fixtures are separated from sleeping and living spaces by steel and glass windows.

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

Public spaces in the tower include a coffee bar, a restaurant and a mezzanine lounge, which have also been stripped back to reveal the original concrete surfaces.

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

The Spanish Gothic-style theatre has had intricate wall and ceiling mouldings restored and provides 72 square metres of event space. A range of suites and a private screening room are also available to hire out for meetings or parties.

Ace Hotel opens latest branch in downtown Los Angeles

Last year Ace Hotel added a venue in Shoreditch by Universal Design Studio to its list of locations.

Each Ace Hotel is located in an emerging neighbourhood and is designed to reflect its character. The concept by the company's founder Alex Calderwood centres around fitting out old buildings using a modest budget and utilising industrial salvage. Calderwood sadly passed away in November last year and this hotel is the first to open since his death.

Photography is by Spencer Lowell.