The historic 1912 Stillwell Hotel gets a much needed new paint job, a prelude of other much larger future urban investments nearby
It goes without saying that urban revitalization in Downtown LA is as much about fixing up our current existing buildings as it is about building new ones. A mix of new and old is really what makes a city dynamic and interesting. Think New York, Chicago, or London. With as many historic structures as we have here in Downtown LA — many still sadly in dilapidated condition — rehabbing them all will be an important part in the grand scheme as the downtown renaissance continues. For example, this past summer the 1925 Barker Brothers building at 7th and Flower received a detailed facade restoration treatment that really made a positive visual impact to 7th Street.
Now a similar restoration process has occurred near 9th and Grand at the Stillwell Hotel. The century old edifice (built in 1912) — an affordable hotel that’s also home to the tasty Uncle John’s Chinese restaurant — started work on the new paint job in July 2012. Once a faded peachy pink color (click here to see its original color), a new darker coat of beige/tan covers the entire facade on all four sides. The building’s architectural details have been painted in a taupe and dark brown color for a nice contrast.
In addition, elements of red have been incorporated throughout the new color scheme. The hotel’s vertical and horizontal signs have been converted to red. The green awnings that once covered the hotel entrance and restaurants on both sides have been replaced with striking red ones for a real visual pop.
The investment into the Stillwell Hotel will be a prelude for other great things to come. The immediate area surrounding the Stillwell will be a lot different in the next few years as large scale projects are completed nearby, within a block radius, including the new Empire Hotel across the street; the “Angelena” project by Carmel Partners (with plans for a new grocery store); as well as the Onni Group’s 32-story tower with plans to break ground in November 2012.
The signs for the Stillwell Hotel have been painted red
New red awnings matching the new sign color provide a nice visual pop to the facade
The architectural details on the facade have been painted a nice subtle taupe color
The only thing I would have done differently is painting the fire escape the same taupe color used to highlight the architectural details on the facade
Great news! Let’s hope that they can also find some funds to work on that lobby.
Can’t wait for those parking lots to get filled in. That block has a really sad vibe to it and the Stillwell standing alone there only adds to it.
These small changes actually make a significant difference. It was hard to discern the historic details of the building with the last paint job. I agree with Brudy that we really need to see these surrounding parking lots developed to make this block more relevant. Thankfully the Angelena project will take up the entire lot behind the Brockman and Bottega Louis and the Empire hotel across from the Stillwell will help if the Chetrit group ever finishes it!
I was going to say the same thing, it looks to loneley that block, there needs to be something built next to the hotel, and maybe remove those ugly pine trees, and plant a cleaner looking tree.
Now that I look at it better, I would have painted the fire escape red, to give a contrast on the building.
Doesn’t Chetrit own the lot to the south of Stillwell too?
This color (“taupe”) is the worst and there’s far too much of it in Los Angeles.
Gill’s Indian restaurant at the Stillwell is also very good. My husband is on his way to pick up our dinner right now! They deliver but pick-up is always faster, especially since we’re all the way over in the Arts District.
I recently found a very small pamphlet from “The Stillwell” Fireproof Hotel. It advertises $2 with bath.
250 rooms and garage next door. Room’s range from $2.00 $2.50 and $3.00. Alex H. Nord Manager
Does anyone know how old this pamphlet is? If so email me at pcduman2006@aol.com
Found a really Old photo of my Grandmother standing in the desert in front of a Stillwell Hotel billboard…a small sign by today’s standards. The photo was in 1927!
Just googled the Stilwell to see if was actually still a hotel( I was born in Los Angeles in 1953… but this is the 1st time I have seen anything on the Stillwell. Thanks for your site.