LOS ANGELES, Calif.—A joint venture between local developers Frank Stork, Channing Henry, and The Kor Group will bring a new boutique hotel to Broadway in early 2017. The hotel will be operated as a Proper Hotel, a new brand launched by Proper Hospitality earlier this year.
The developers purchased the historic 1924 YWCA building at 11th and Broadway, also formerly operated as the Case Hotel, in late 2013. At the time, the building was vacant and falling into disrepair. Over the next year-and-a-half, the team will redesign and redevelop the property as a higher-end lifestyle boutique hotel, targeting Downtown’s growing population of creative professionals and leisure travelers. The redevelopment of the Case Hotel represents another project under Councilmember Jose Huizar’s Bringing Back Broadway revitalization initiative, an effort that welcomed the Ace Hotel to Broadway in 2014.
The new hotel, located on the border of Downtown’s Historic and Fashion Districts, will reside in the 13-story red brick and stone masonry building. Amenities include a destination restaurant, a rooftop pool and lounge, and the conversion of some of the building’s historic, double-height spaces into unique suites and public areas.
“With the support of Councilmember José Huizar’s Bringing Back Broadway initiative, our team recognizes the incredible impact that the collaboration of like-minded community and business leaders can have on a neighborhood,” said Brian De Lowe of The Kor Group. “The Councilmember’s efforts have created an energetic and much-needed destination for Downtown Los Angeles, and we are excited to participate in its expansion.”
The development team is pursuing a complete historic preservation of the building, bringing its architectural features back to life in a modern and inviting environment. Originally designed by Curlett & Beelman, who also designed the Park Plaza Hotel, Garfield Building, and Roosevelt Building in Los Angeles, among many others, the building opened in 1924 as a private Commercial Club for businessmen. It was converted to the Case Hotel in 1947, where it remained open until the YWCA Job Training Corps established its operation at the building in 1965. The YWCA moved to a new property several blocks away in early 2013.
Proper Hotels is currently planning and developing additional projects in Austin, Hollywood, San Francisco, and Brooklyn, among others.
