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History
THE HAAS BUILDING
The Haas Building, located at 219 West 7th Street at the corner of Broadway in downtown Los Angeles, is a significant historical and architectural landmark that reflects the city’s commercial evolution. Completed in 1915, the building was designed by the renowned architectural firm Morgan, Walls & Clements, known for their influential contributions to the architectural landscape of early 20th-century Los Angeles. The building’s 12-story steel frame construction was considered state-of-the-art at the time, featuring an elegant facade adorned with terra cotta and detailed brickwork.
Abraham Haas, a prominent San Francisco businessman, originally commissioned the building. Haas, who was a key figure in the wholesale grocery industry and president of Haas, Baruch & Co., aimed to create a modern commercial hub in the heart of Los Angeles. The ground floor and basement were initially occupied by the Bank of Italy (later known as Bank of America), which moved its main offices to the Haas Building in 1915. This relocation was a testament to the bank’s rapid growth and the building’s prime location in the burgeoning downtown area.
In the 1970s, the Haas Building underwent significant renovations that altered its classic exterior. Much of the original terra cotta and brickwork was replaced with brown metal panels, reflecting the architectural trends of that era. Despite these changes, portions of the original detailing around the entryway survived.
The turn of the 21st century brought another transformation to the Haas Building. In 2009, the building was beautifully modernized and converted into residential lofts. This renovation aimed to preserve the historical essence of the building while integrating modern amenities. Today, the Haas Building stands as a blend of historical charm and contemporary elegance, now functioning as a vibrant, modernized hotel. It offers 68 market-rate residential units along with commercial spaces on the ground floor, making it a desirable location for both living and business in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, boasting of the most spacious accommodations in the whole city.
The Haas Building’s evolution from a state-of-the-art commercial building in the early 20th century to a modern residential and commercial hub highlights the dynamic changes in urban development and architectural styles over the past century. Its continued use and preservation ensure that it remains a significant part of Los Angeles’s rich architectural heritage.
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