A 1920s Office Building Is Revamped as a Craftsman-Inspired Hotel in Los Angeles

The Freehand Los Angeles Hotel, the third establishment in the Sydell Group's Freehand Hotel Collection, has been established within the historic Los Angeles Commercial Exchange Building. This transformation positions the hotel in a rapidly redeveloping area of downtown Los Angeles, aiming to blend the social aspects of a hostel with the modern conveniences of a hotel. The hotel features 167 private rooms and 59 shared rooms, fostering a communal atmosphere through integrated lodging and public amenities. The Los Angeles branch of Freehand Hotels extends the brand's concept by offering an immersive experience of local culture. Public areas include diverse culinary and cocktail services, overseen by acclaimed chefs and mixologists, as well as concept stores. A new branch of The Broken Shaker, an industry-leading bar and James Beard finalist, is also slated to open on the premises. New York-based Roman and Williams were responsible for the interior design, which draws inspiration from the building's historical character while also cultivating a distinctly Californian ambiance. The design incorporates deep wood tones, vibrant artwork, rich draperies, and custom millwork, all of which reflect West Coast Arts and Crafts influences. Rudolph’s Bar & Tea, named after a former owner of the Commercial Exchange Building, serves tea-infused cocktails, full tea service, and small plates, catering to both hotel guests and local patrons. The Exchange Restaurant, named in homage to the building's historic exterior sign, offers multi-cultural cuisine with an Israeli culinary focus. The hotel prominently displays the 12-story Commercial Exchange sign, which remains the largest in Los Angeles, at its entrance. The dining area is characterized by a custom lighting fixture, crafted from fabric and wood, which hovers above a wooden dining table, acting as a luminous sculptural element. The dining atmosphere is enhanced by a palette of rich teal, gold accents, warm wood tones, and decorative greenery. Custom millwork throughout the hotel echoes the detailing and forms characteristic of the Arts and Crafts movement. Guest rooms are adorned with colorful wall paintings, wall draperies, and custom cedar bunk beds, mirroring the design aesthetic found in the Freehand Miami Hotel. The building’s 1920s heritage is preserved through the use of marble, concrete, and steel, which are thoughtfully balanced with new textures and furnishings designed by Roman and Williams, incorporating Californian typologies. Norcross Furniture Company manufactured many of the custom furniture pieces, including the king-sized bed frames, wooden desk chairs, and the bunk beds and shared lockers found in the shared accommodations. The guest rooms are designed to offer a luxurious yet cozy retreat, integrating artwork, textiles, and rich wood tones. Desks in the rooms offer views of colorful murals, reflecting the dynamic environment of Los Angeles. The shared rooms, noted as both affordable and popular, feature inventive decor, including bunk beds, draperies, and purple accents. These shared accommodations also include additional lounge space, encouraging social interaction among travelers. The Freehand Hotel brand, initially launched in Miami, has expanded its presence with an outpost in Chicago and a forthcoming location in New York. #HotelDesign #AdaptiveReuse #CraftsmanInspired #LosAngeles #InteriorDesign #HistoricBuilding #Hospitality #RomanAndWilliams #FreehandHotels #HotelDesign #AdaptiveReuse #CraftsmanInspired #LosAngeles #InteriorDesign #HistoricBuilding #Hospitality #RomanAndWilliams #FreehandHotels

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