The Height of Downtown: The Ace Hotel Rooftop Lounge in LA - Remodelista
Downstairs at the new Ace Hotel in LA, all is civilized (and inspiring – have a look around). Photographs by Laure Joliet for Remodelista. The new Ace Hotel in LA occupies the 1927 Spanish Gothic United Artists Building, back in the day the tallest tower in the city. Commune’s use of concrete tiling in the lounge and pool was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House, one of four concrete block houses Wright designed in LA and a setting in Blade Runner. The hotel is filled with the work of local artists, including Joshua Tree sculptor Alma Allen, who created the tables and stools from pencil cedar (the table legs are hand-forged steel). The bar is run by LA Chapter (of Brooklyn’s Five Leaves fame); the group also operates the equally great-looking brasserie off the hotel lobby – see Downtown LA’s Splashiest New Restaurant. Penner’s bandanna-style awning pattern references Austrian Secessionist textiles and Navajo prints. Banquettes are lined with Commune’s signature cushions made from reclaimed kilims. All of the Ace hotels have furniture that makes clever use of canvas – a nod to the chain’s practical-chic approach to design. The canvas lacing is both functional and decorative. Commune introduced Mexican designs throughout the hotel, including classic Equipale chairs updated in white-painted leather. The pool bar has open shelving of cumaru, a type of teak, decorated with concrete blocks. Above L: Custom teak poolside lounges are upholstered in army green Sunbrella fabric. Of the pool design, Roman Alonso says, “We were inspired by Ennis House and by Donald Judd’s pool in Marfa. We wanted something simple and straightforward and modernist in feel.” Above R: Towels are stored in shelving made from cumaru wood. The building’s original Spanish-Gothic detailing has been well preserved. We’ve loved and visited all of the Ace’s outposts; have a look at our Ace Hotel posts.