Up On The Roof

Sunday, we were invited to attend the Los Angeles Conservancy's Volunteer Appreciation party at the Freehand Hotel. The Committee always meets at historic venues for their annual party. The Freehand Hotel was formerly the Commercial Exchange Office Building. 

From the CURBED LOS ANGELES blog: Built in 1924, the Commercial Exchange Building was designed by Walker & Eisen, the architects who designed two other prominent buildings in DTLA: The Art Deco Oviatt Building and the building that houses the Ace Hotel.

This is the largest vertical neon sign in DTLA! I'm so glad it was fully restored.

From Wikipedia: To allow the widening of Olive Street in the mid-1930s, a 10-foot slice was removed from the center of the building and engineers rejoined the remaining halves by sliding the western portion eastward. Total cost of the removal and realignment was $60,000.

Lobby, Freehand Hotel

Lobby, Bar and Restaurant, Freehand Hotel

Our meet-up was on the roof, next to the pool. We'd had intermittent rain the day before, but it was clear, bright and beautiful up on the roof of the Freehand on Sunday. 

LAC Volunteers at the rooftop pool, Freehand Hotel

It was so great seeing many LAC volunteers and reminiscing about last year's activities. This is a dedicated group of individuals, often working long hours for no pay, just the satisfaction of doing a good job and helping to communicate and preserve Los Angeles' history for future generations. Bruce Scottow is in charge of organizing the volunteers and events such as this one. Bruce and his staff did a terrific job on Sunday! Thank you!

LAC Volunteers

Service awards were given, drinks and light snacks were served. The vista from the rooftop was breathtaking!

The Garfield Building, viewed from the Freehand roof, is under restoration

L.A. Conservancy Photographer, Larry Underhill

JOIN the Los Angeles Conservancy! It's an extremely worthwhile organization with many opportunities to participate, learn and tour our City's most valuable assets.