Proper Hospitality has launched its newest hotel, showcasing the talents of acclaimed designer Kelly Wearstler, within a historic property in the City of Angels.

The highly anticipated LA hotel has been created in partnership with internationally renowned designer Kelly Wearstler, plus James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne.

A prime location in LA

Downtown LA Proper Hotel is now welcoming guests to its enviable setting in the heart of the South Park District, next to the Fashion District.

The 148-key scheme has been designed by Kelly Wearstler who came up with a clever narrative blending modern influences with vintage elements, referencing the property’s history. Further enhancing the offering, chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne have developed an appealing culinary programme spanning three distinct spaces.

“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,” said 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.”

“It was incredible working with the Proper Hospitality team to transform such an iconic and historic building in DTLA,” added Kelly Wearstler. “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’s new lifestyle hub

The building was originally conceived by architectural firm Curlett & Beelman in the 1920s. It was initially a private club, with members that included Cecil B DeMille, before becoming a YWCA in the ‘60s.

LA-based real estate developer The Kor Group, which is led by the visionaries behind Proper Hospitality, partnered up with Wearster to give this space a whole new lease of life. The building now boasts more than 100 different kinds of hand-painted and custom tiles, along with site-specific murals and installations by local artists.

The property is designed to have a residential feel with specially designed furnishings in charcoal and mauve tones. Its distinctive accommodation includes the Proper Basketball Court suite and the Proper Pool suite, featuring a full-sized indoor swimming pool.

A tasty trio of F&B venues

Downtown LA Proper Hotel’s three new culinary experiences include the lobby-level restaurant and bar Calo Verde, which draws from Portuguese and Spanish influences through a Southern California lens. Moreover, the hotel will welcome restaurant and lounge Cara Cara in the coming weeks, offering multiculturally inspired cuisine with city views from its rooftop location, and intimate ground-level cocktail bar and lounge Dalia later in the summer.

“There is so much inspiration to draw from in each pocket of this historic building that is also reflective of DTLA’s evolution and modern-day awakening,” said Goin and Styne. “We look forward to serving this vibrant neighbourhood where locals and travellers converge, offering culinary experiences that tell the story of our personal histories in Los Angeles, as well as travels abroad.”

On top of this, Downtown LA Proper Hotel houses a 24-hour fitness centre and 14,000 sq ft of event space. Guests have access to complimentary Linus Bikes and can take advantage of a varied cultural and wellness programme, including rooftop yoga.