Downtown Weekly LA

DTLA WEEKLY

All rights reserved. Downtown Weekly is a news, event, LIFESTYLE & Hospitality FREE community resource. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. DTLA WEEKLY, in support of local residents, businesses, workers and visitors of Downtown Los Angeles, publishes DTLA WEEKLY. Readers are recommended to make appropriate inquiries before wagering any sum in relation to any ad, article or feature published herein. DTLA WEEKLY will not be liable to any person for loss or damage incurred or suffered as a result of his/her accepting, offering to accept or following any invitation or advice contained in any ad, article or feature published herein.

Leased! A Look Inside Mayer Brown Law Firm's New Downtown Sky-quarters

Famed law firm Mayer Brown has moved into Brookfield Properties’ Wells Fargo Center at 333 S Grand Avenue. The firm, represented by CBRE, signed an 11-year lease for the approximately 55,000 square foot space, and includes 98 individual offices, nearly double the number in its previous location.

Mayer Brown’s Los Angeles office, established in 1985, comprises more than 60 lawyers engaged in principal practice areas, and was most recently recognized as one of Los Angeles Business Journal’s “Most Admired Law Firms To Work For.”

Visitors to the new space will take the elevators 47 floors to an area with expansive views of the Los Angeles skyline stretching to the ocean. An exterior patio provides alternative meeting options and opens to the main lobby and conference rooms for larger receptions. The office has a variety of social spaces and private conference rooms that are conducive to both collaborative and individual styles of

working, and true to DTLA style, the walls showcase the work of California artists.

“This exciting move signifies the firm’s investment in Los Angeles, which is a critical market for our clients and an anchor for us on the West Coast,” said Mayer Brown Chair Jon Van Gorp.

“Through this move, we are writing our own LA script; creating a beautiful facility with improved amenities and an efficient workspace focused on employee wellness and one that can accommodate our continued growth,” said John Nadolenco, managing partner of Mayer Brown’s Los Angeles office. www.mayerbrown.com

Photo Courtesy Mayer Brown

DOWNTOWN LA WINS BIG

LA Business Council 52nd Architectural Awards

The Los Angeles Business Council held its 52nd Architectural Awards, once again inside the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hilton.

Illuminated by an ever-changing display of colored LED lights, presenters announced this year’s awardees in the presence of nearly 500 fellow architects, designers, building owners, developers, and city and state officials. Over four dozen projects were recognized for their prestigious designs with Downtown projects leading the way, bringing home the most awards.

Winners from a pool of hundreds were selected by a jury panel of industry experts, including architects, construction firms, owners, and developers.

It’sOnlyProper

The panel voted LA Proper Hotel re-designed by architects OmGivning and developed by The Kor Group receive this year’s Hospitality Award.

The historic hotel, once a state-of-the-art private club in the ’20s, originally designed by Curlett & Beelman, now boast two award-winning restaurants, a vintage basketball court, and an indoor swimming pool to accommodate guest within its 140 suites.

SolelyBasedonMerritt

LABC Preservation Award went to 8th and Broadway’s restored Merritt Building. Architects ODAA for Vancouverbased real estate investment firm Bonnis Properties Inc set out to fully restore Hulett C. Merritt’s columned masterpiece built in 1915. Taking the project a step further, ODAA has added lounges, and a gym and converted the unused rooftop space into an amenity deck.

Gehry’sLastStand

“This year the LABC is honoring projects that represent more than a particular style of building, but rather a way of approaching design that listens to and learns from the people and places in the surrounding community,” said Mary Leslie, president of the Los Angeles Business Council. “Our honorees demonstrate that if you take a holistic approach to the design process and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to create a shared vision, the result will be a design with the biggest possible impact.”

Mix Use Winner Award went to The Grand LA. Built by Architect Frank Gehry, for Related Companies. The Grand, in stark contrast compared to Gehry’s flowing Walt Disney Concert Hall, is still no less of a wonder offering 29 stories of luxury apartments with extraordinary views and an extensive menu of services and amenities, including access to indoor and outdoor amenities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, business lounge and growing list of retail shops planning to occupy three levels of the open plaza, at the base of the property.

HousingisaHumanRight

The Sustainability Award went to Skid Row Housing Trust for SP7 San Pedro by KFA Architecture. The project, aka SP7 Apartments, features outdoor gardens, a spacious community room, and laundry facilities, along with 81 units of permanent supportive housing and services for 99 formerly unhoused individuals, including veterans.

Design Concept Award was presented to the Downtown Women’s Center, designed by Architect Gensler for Daylight Community Development providing permanent supportive housing without time limits.

Using the Housing First model, DWC provides 119 units of permanent supportive housing for single unaccompanied women across our two residences in downtown Los Angeles.

UnderConstruction

Downtown Los Angeles projects still in various stages of development were chosen in the Under Construction category.

Under Construction Winner 843 N Spring Street, from LEVER Properties with its vertical garden, with an ecosystem of a river canyon, public plaza at the entry-level and lush shade-friendly plantings and habitat that shifts subtly from floor to floor.

A second Under Construction Award was presented to Brookfield’s Properties Beaudry designed by Architect Marmol Radziner.

TheGrandPrizeFinale

Community building was the driving force behind the Grand Prize-winning Sixth Street Viaduct Bridge. Dubbed the “Ribbon of Light,” the 3,500-foot cinematic icon is a network-tied arch structure defined by 10 pairs of arches rising and falling above the LA River and the city below.

Replacing a landmark 1932 structure, the design is the product of an international design competition, emphasizing the City’s commitment to making the new bridge a true reflection of the community. Planned not just as a multimodal link but as a destination, the bridge has been transformed from an auto-centric structure to one that embraces walkability and connection with wider sidewalks,

Photo Courtesy RELATED

DTLA for the Holidays?

Here’s 10 Great Places for Holiday Jolly in the Big City

Tis’ the season to be Jolly. It’s a good thing too, because Downtown Los Angeles is the number one destination for decorative holiday events. From ice skating and feasting to shopping and live music, we’ve got everything we need to keep the holidays festive. Here’s 10 Great Places for Holiday Jolly in the Big City.

One.

Frosty the Snowman at Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

This December, celebrate the holiday season on ice. With its 8,000 square foot outdoor ice rink, Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square in the Historic Core, is the largest ice rink in Downtown and an ideal spot for family fun and special occasions. Glide across the ice with breathtaking views of the Los Angeles’ skyline as a backdrop. Slip into an unforgettable experience, whether you’re a seasoned skater or taking your first glides on the ice. Open daily November 23, 2022 through January 8, 2023. Top 3 Local restaurants-bars to enjoy nearby include Perch, Mrs. Fish and the Water Grill located directly across the road from Pershing Square. www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com

Two.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town – First Stop: Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market is kicking off the holidays with over a month of festive fun. From special appearances with Santa to holiday workshops, live music and more.

Hungry guests are invited to GCM for days of holiday cheer! Beginning December 3rd and throughout the month Good Ole Saint Nick will be greeting the families at Grand Central Market! Ho Ho Ho and happy holidays, Grand Central Market has over 40 food and beverage vendors to choose from. Top 3 local restaurants to enjoy at GCM include The Oyster Gourmet, Knead Pasta Bar and Sari Sari Kitchen. www. grandcentralmarketla.com

Three. Rocking Around the Christmas Tree at LA Kings Holiday Ice at LA LIVE

Skaters are ready to hit the ice once again at LA Kings Holiday Ice! It’s a guaranteed chill time for some fun in the sun (or rather, snow) at L.A LIVE on Xbox Plaza. The LA Kings Holiday Ice rink is centered around an enormous faux-pine tree drenched in Christmas attire.

The rink will open November 26, 2022 through January 8, 2023. Top 3 local restaurants to enjoy nearby include Katsuya, Mastros Steak House and Flemings Steakhouse located on the plaza of LA LIVE and at the base of Circa Lofts on Figueroa in South Park. www.mylalive.com

Photo Courtesy Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square

@thebristterrr

Hark the Herald!

DLANC PRESIDENT & DTLA CHAMBER FOUNDER

CLAUDIA OLIVEIRA

Winning led me to serve on the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council for my third term, and unpredictable circumstances made me President.

“Surely, in the light of history, it is more intelligent to hope rather than to fear, to try rather than not to try. For one thing we know beyond all doubt: Nothing has ever been achieved by the person who says, ‘It can’t be done.’” – Eleanor Roosevelt

BEYOND KING TUT

Still the only intact ancient Egyptian royal tomb ever found, Beyond King Tut at Magic Box presented by National Geographic Society comes to life within a multi-gallery journey through the boy king’s story. The exhibition opened in Washington D.C. and Boston this summer, and will remain in Los Angeles through the end of the year.

The holidays are here. Many have closed the year 2022 and are looking forward to a new chapter. There’s no doubt that this year was the year of surprises for DTLA.

Elections were very close and unpredictable, scandals flooded the news, and still, we keep finding ways to maneuver our challenges while enjoying that “feeling of closeness” only Downtowners understand. The luxury of running into friends and sharing a cup of coffee without having to make plans makes our community special, a place that attracts those looking for a dynamic type of life with a village undertone. This relationship goes beyond the residents and overflows to the workforce, the business owners, and the unhoused. We are one!

Karen has delivered my mail for as long as I’ve lived in DTLA. Yesterday, she joyfully returned from an extravagant trip to Portugal, where most of my DNA comes from, and told me she had brought me back a gift from my homeland. That’s the “Spirit of Downtown!”

Because of Karen, I chose to continue on my arduous path of public service. I submitted my candidate application, crossed my fingers, and started campaigning again.

As President of DLANC, I vowed to lead these organizations with courage and transparency, with getting the most done for the most people as my end goal. Under my presidency, the Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council has weighed in on over forty Council Files and has written fourteen letters and resolutions.

We sponsored movies at Spring Street Park, a Coffee with Fire Captain Sloan Joseph, the Skid Row Festival for All Artists, and more. But most importantly, together, we transformed DLANC into an inclusive agency where harassment, bullying, and disrespect are not tolerated. When those at the table feel comfortable expressing their opinion, regardless of how controversial they might appear to be, with the confidence of being met by opposing sides with compassion, understanding, and openness, it’s when we get a diverse set of solutions. Fostering respect results in healthy work environments and creates a safe space for marginalized voices to participate with real value.

Recently, I launched the DTLA Chamber of Commerce to connect the 300,000 businesses that shape DTLA’s economic matrix with resources and was appointed Co-Chair of the Small Business and Employment Committee for the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed.) As I juggle my endeavors through Q1 of 2023, I can’t but contemplate running for re-election and maybe recruiting my friend, Postal Server Karen, to run with me. DLANC’s election serendipitously falls on the famous Star Wars holiday, May Fourth. May the fourth be with us!

With nine multimedia galleries to explore, wind through the story of a young boy who ruled as pharaoh more than 3,000 years ago, and what we’re still learning about him today. Sightsee the wonders of modern and ancient Egypt.

Visitors join the exploration for King Tut’s tomb and descend into his burial chamber. Relive the discovery of the king’s tomb with all his treasures waiting inside.

Finally, explorers join King Tut for a voyage through the underworld in a sweeping cinematic experience in the final immersive gallery.

This exhibition goes beyond a traditional artifact display using the power of photography, technology, and life changing VR experiences provided by Dreamland XR ensuring that the artifacts from King Tut’s tomb remain in their country of origin.

“Beyond King Tut will be a must- see for anyone interested in Egypt and the history of King Tut,” said Kathryn Keane, vice president of public programming and National Geographic Museum director for the National Geographic Society.

“New technologies are making it possible to fully immerse people like never before in important stories from our past, allowing us to develop connections and understand history’s influence on our present and future generations.”

Beyond King Tut is produced by Paquin Entertainment Group in association with Immersive and the creative team behind the King Tut artifact exhibitions that awed millions of visitors across the globe. Paquin Entertainment Group’s exhibition portfolio has attracted more than 5 million visitors around the world and includes the acclaimed Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet exhibitions. Reprising its role with those exhibitions, Montreal’s world-renowned Normal Studio presents a journey through Egypt in a way no one else can tell it. www.beyondkingtut.com

Claudia Oliveira Photo by Eric Epperson

Vezbi America’s First Community Driven Super App Launches in DTLA

Celebrate the official launch of Vezbi – America’s first community-driven, cutting-edge Super App where business owners, individuals, and communities can do everything, every day, all-in-one place, algorithmfree.

Vezbi is designed to organize and consolidate all facets of life in one centralized application. All businesses, users and agencies are welcome to join.

Take a look at some of the Vezbi Super App top features…

The Vezbi app is most useful when expanding a customer-base or managing daily tasks. The newly launched app acts like a community board upon which you can start your own private community or join a public one. Vezbi SnipBits allow users to post 6 second looping videos to share a glimpse of a moment with friends.

Micro-vlogs allow 30 second vlogs to take followers on a daily journey.

Shop Now offers live selling for a better perspective of listed products and services.

Vezbi Events calendar invites all to create invitations (i.e. birthdays, baby showers, and meetings) and provides a list/ search for public events.

Managing Your Day to Day Vezbi allows users to create sharable task lists with friends, family, and work associates.

Pay bills, check balances, and manage daily tasks directly from your dashboard with Vezbi Personal Management. Sending messages through text and voice is an offered feature.

app.

Vezbi launched their first food festival series, Taste of Vezbi, in Downtown Los Angeles at the newly opened KAVIAR restaurant in the Arts District on December 8th.

Executive Chef John Hans Yeo, style icon, Aureta, and managing partner Charles Lew’s premier restaurant with classic art deco elements of marble, brass fixtures, and exposed brick served as a tasty backdrop for the night’s star studded event. Red Carpet attendees included Jeremy Miller (Growing Pains), Steven Cravotta creator of Wordle! iOS App, Gilda Garza (Mexico’s most Influential Artist), Steve Cederquist (HGTV’s Flip or Flop, and Flipping 101), Sham Ibrahim (Judge Steve Harvey Show), Heather Chadwell (VH1 Rock of Love), Emilia McCarthy (Disneys Z.O.M.B.I.E.S, Paramount’s SkyMed), and Tiffany Stanley.

Apps Within Apps

Now, thru Vezbi, users have access to restaurant menus, waitlists, and digital rewards from a growing pool of restaurants and businesses who host their microapps on Vezbi.

Micro-apps are single-purpose fast loading apps hosted within a Super App. With micro-apps, businesses are able to launch their own app at a fraction of the cost and time to develop a traditional app, all while tapping into the user base and ecosystem of a Super App. Creators of the App invite users to check back regularly as more and more businesses join our platform.

Tired of the Spying?

Vezbi may be the best choice. The brand is committed to values of anonymity and no data selling –supporting a strong, accountable community of internet citizens. vezbi.com

Vezbi Marketplace provides a way to support independent creators by purchasing handmade crafts and DIY Projects from the

“Vezbi is thrilled to be supporting these amazing restaurateurs and kicking off The Taste of Vezbi at Kaviar.”Henry Jan, Founder of Vezbi.

Photo Courtesy Vezbi

10 Great Places for Holiday Jolly in the Big City cont...

Four.

Deck the Halls with Sparkle at TheBloc

Be dazzled by one of the most creative holiday shows in LA, SPARKLE LA at The Bloc.

The Bloc glows with 18 million lights. It is DTLA’s largest multi-colored interactive holiday display and its syncs to groove to the most cheerful tunes of the season. The Bloc’s Electric star-topped crinoline and glowing Christmas bulb ornament installation welcome visitors to capture the most perfect photos inside the busy shopping center.

The Bloc lights up the nights in the Finance District! Top 3 local restaurants to enjoy nearby include Hatch Yakitori Bar, 10E and the Engine Co 28, located either inside the Bloc or directly across the road. www.theblocla.com

Five.

Jingle Bell Rock at Dodgers Holiday Festival

The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a Holiday Festival at Dodger Stadium in the newly-renovated Centerfield Plaza, the warning track, and both bullpens! Open nightly, the festival includes entertainment, photos with Santa, an ice skating rink, scenic and light displays, and holiday-themed food and beverage.

Admission starts at $16 and must be purchased online in advance. Separate ticketing for Santa photos in the bullpen and ice skating in the outfield (skate rental included). Happening November 26 through December 31st. Top 3 local restaurants-bars to enjoy nearby include The Lonely Oyster and El Compadre in Echo Park, and of course, Dodger Dogs at Dodger Stadium. www.mlb.com

Six.

Please Be Home for Christmas DCBID is offering $5000 Giveaway

Returning for the second season, DCBID presents Downtown LA Holiday Scavenger Hunt inviting adventurers to take some pics while uncovering Downtown LA’s best holiday photo opps made from

festive lights and decor scattered around Downtown LA. Participants automatically enter to win a share of the $5,000 Downtown LA Holiday Hunt Giveaway! Let the games begin! www.downtownla.com

Seven. Hark! The Angel’s Carol Sing at Music Center

Looking for an unforgettable way to get into the holiday spirit? The Music Center is hosting a special Festival of Carols, with none other than Jonathan Antoine as their guest artist! This magical evening comes filled with traditional Christmas carols and festive folksongs from around the world. Wrapped up in Jonathan’s characteristic warmth, quality while feeling and authenticity the Music Center gifts Bunker Hill with a perfect family-friendly event. Dancing shoes highly recommended. www. musiccenter.org

Eight.

The Little Drummer Boy at Olvera Street

Los Tres Reyes, or the Three Kings is a celebration of the perilous journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, where the gift bearers finally found baby Jesus.

Although this celebration has its roots in Christianity and Catholicism, everyone is invited to join in the fun. Music will be playing from Rondalla del Sol and visitors can follow the Kings throughout the plaza in re-inactment.

Offerings of the traditional rosca, a delicious sweet bread may or may not come with a plastic baby representing baby Jesus! The lucky person who finds one of these little figurines has some good luck and a special gift coming their way. www.discoverOlverastreet.com

Nine.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland at ROWDTLA

ROWDTLA invites all to explore their annual holiday decor. Translating the lifestyle mall’s massive fig tree-centerpiece into the base of Santa’s Tiny Village, ROWDTLA in the Warehouse District offers a wide range of artisan vendors and special seasonal activities.

With so many gifts abound, it’s easy to find something special to give as a gift or keep for yourself. Top 3 local restaurants to enjoy nearby include Bikeshed (walking distance) and onsite seafood restaurant Rappahannock Oyster Bar. Smorgasburg at ROWDTLA is also holding its annual Holiday Market. www.ROWDTLA.com

Ten. It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year at Union Station

...

Last but not least on our list of 10 Great Places is Union Station’s enormous holiday tree and light display. On November 21st, Union Station kicked off the holiday season with a bright display of twinkling lights in its cherished Rose Garden Courtyard making the 100 year old station the perfect spot for a romantic stroll or a family outing while experiencing Civic District magic. Hours are from 8:00am – 9:00pm daily to revel in the beauty of this spectacular event! Ends Wednesday, December 28. www. unionstationla.com