Proper Hospitality has opened Downtown L.A. Proper. Set in a reimagined landmark building in the heart of Downtown’s South Park District adjacent to the Fashion District, the 148-room destination showcases the vision of internationally acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler through a design narrative that blends vintage elements from the property’s historic roots with modern influences to create a hub for local creatives. James Beard Foundation Award-winners chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne bring the culinary program to life in three distinct spaces with signature restaurant Caldo Verde opening with the hotel this August.
“Downtown LA Proper’s historic building, designed by Master Architects Alexander Curlett & Claude Bellman, was central to the hotel’s design,” said Stephane Lacroix, general manager, Downtown L.A. Proper. “The building opened as the Commercial Club of Southern California in 1926, became the Cabrillo Club in 1932, the Case Hotel in 1945 and then turned into a YWCA in 1965. This origin in the 1920s inspired the elements of Spanish, Portuguese, Mexican and Moroccan design seen throughout the property. Additionally, we also looked to the 1914 Herald Examiner building across the street, which was designed by Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods including L.A.’s fashion district.”
The Kor Group, the L.A.-based real estate developer led by the visionaries behind Proper Hospitality, and Wearstler reimagine that storied history with a modern palette, drawing inspiration from Downtown L.A. to layer vestiges from the 1920s. In addition to vintage furniture and rugs, Wearstler employs 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 Judson Studios stained glass and ceramicist Morgan Peck bring further dimension to the public spaces.
“Through the unique design of Downtown L.A. Proper, we sought to bring this historic building into present-day while also celebrating its illustrious past,” Lacroix said. “Each space within the property has its own story, offering a special element of discovery for visitors. Through Kelly Wearstler’s design, Downtown L.A. Proper merges the building’s history with commissions by local contemporary artists, including Morgan Peck, Abel Macias and Ben Medansky.”
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 accommodations include the more than 1,300-sq. ft. Proper Basketball Court and more than 2,500-sq.-ft. Proper Pool suite featuring a full-sized indoor swimming pool accented by a ceramic mural by Medansky. Signature Proper comforts and in-room amenities include Fili D’oro Fine Linens, Aesop bath amenities, Kelly Wearstler x Parachute Home robes and modern conveniences such as Vifa speakers and HDTV streaming with Apple TV.
“Proper Hospitality is fiercely local and very much rooted within the community. Elements of local design woven throughout the property, such as the hand-raked and applied plaster, assert the hotel’s strong sense of place and ties to the area,” Lacroix said.
Food & beverage partners Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne (a.o.c., Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine, Larder Baking Company) introduce three new culinary experiences at the property. Lobby level restaurant & bar, Caldo Verde, is poised to be a focal point within the hotel and neighborhood, showcasing Goin and Styne’s nuanced and warm approach to hospitality. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the restaurant draws inspiration from Portuguese and Spanish influences, while finding expression through the lens of Southern California. Shareable dinner plates include dishes such as clams with sherry, chickpeas and onion blossoms; hanger steak with avocado crema and green chile; and carrots braised in orange, crème fraîche and charmoula. Boutique, esoteric wines culled from international and domestic producers, and an extensive craft cocktail program further reveal the restaurateurs’ inspiration for the program.
In the weeks following the opening of the hotel, Cara Cara, the restaurant and lounge located on the 5,000-sq.-ft. rooftop, with sweeping and unobstructed city views, will debut with a menu similarly grounded in multicultural inspirations including Mexican flavors. Crafted to complement the unrivaled rooftop and poolside experience, dishes include local seafood aquachile, seasonal focaccias from the wood-fired oven and tacos. In March, Goin and Styne will introduce Dalia, an intimate ground level classic cocktail lounge and bar showcasing small-batch spirits in refined presentations.
Underscoring Proper Hospitality’s commitment to creating distinct gathering places big and small for all occasions, the DTLA Proper provides more than 14,000 sq. ft. of spaces for meetings, weddings and special events. Settings will also be home to diverse cultural and wellness programming including rooftop yoga and meditation. Guests will additionally enjoy access to complimentary Linus Bikes, and a 24/7 fitness center featuring Peloton bikes, Tonal equipment and more.
Located at the corner of South Broadway and West 11th St. within the South Park District adjacent to the Fashion District, the property is in close proximity to celebrated cultural venues such as the Staples Center, L.A. Live, Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Music Center, MOCA and The Broad Museum. With its opening, DTLA Proper aspires to be an epicenter of hospitality and cultural experiences within the community.
