Reimagined Designs – Ace Hotel Los Angeles by Commune Design and Atelier Ace

Reanimating the historic United Artists Building for a new era, Commune Design collaborated with Atelier Ace on Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. Situated in a neighbourhood that is seeing a resurgence of vivacity, Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles further ignites the desire to experience the glamour and excess of Hollywood.

An experience for visitors and locals alike, Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles is a hub for creatives, innovators, artists and entrepreneurs to gather. Through the collaboration process, Commune Design and Atelier Ace approached the restoration of the historic building by discerning how the façade would have been interpreted if it had been hotel, restaurant or theatre in the early 1900s – the peak of the Broadway Theatre District. Designed in an intimate scale, the hotel allows guests to seamlessly transition throughout its spaces whilst feeling like a part of Hollywood’s exhilarating grandeur.

Through the collaboration process, Commune Design and Atelier Ace approached the restoration of the historic building by discerning how the façade would have been interpreted if it had been hotel, restaurant or theatre in the early 1900s – the peak of the Broadway Theatre District.

Beginning the restoration process by stripping the terracotta and plasterwork exterior of decades worth of paint, Commune Design and Atelier Ace took to carefully cleaning the building alongside restoring the original iron grillwork. In addition, the renewed façade was given wood detailing with moulding that was then installed to frame the stained-glass windows. The exterior is further accentuated with transoms from Judson Studios that elevate the abstract Gothic-inspired design. Moving inside, the interior has been stripped back, leaving only the concrete core where additional design elements were then layered on top. Moreover, the original poured concrete ceilings and columns were strategically retained in the public areas and the guestrooms to give visitors a glimpse of the building’s heritage.

Drawing inspiration from Rudolf Schindler’s West Hollywood residence, Commune Design maintained the concrete ceilings whilst finishing the walls with Homasote boards for warmth and additional soundproofing. Separated from the sleeping and living space by steel and glass windows, the bathrooms are finished with unlacquered brass fixtures, adding to the private space’s character. In addition, a range of amenities are spaced throughout the hotel for guests to enjoy, including a café and transformed rooftop pool and lounge. Moreover, there is an Undefeated fitness centre open 24 hours a day and a variety of dining options and banquet rooms. However, the most electrifying event space is the restored theatre, which encourages the imagination to run wild with its mix of classical and contemporary design.

Designed in an intimate scale, the hotel allows guests to seamlessly transition throughout its spaces whilst feeling like a part of Hollywood’s exhilarating grandeur.

Collaborating with Atelier Ace, Commune Design has revived the United Artists Building for a new generation and created a space where locals and visitors are given a glimpse back to the history of the area through a contemporary lens. Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles is a respectful reinvigoration of the site and welcomes guests to immerse themselves in the enriched interiors.