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Downtown News Six Unique Downtown Spots for a Memorable Holiday Bash Oct 15 2007
Location Scouting 101
Six Unique Downtown Spots for a Memorable Holiday Bash
by Kathryn Maese
Whether you want to throw an intimate holiday soiree, a corporate office party or a New Year's Eve blowout, there is no shortage of creative Downtown venues that'll wow your guests.
Everywhere you turn there are sprawling warehouses and loft spaces waiting for some dramatic uplighting, a well-stocked bar and a few dozen friends or co-workers.
For those taking a laissez-faire approach, plenty of events spaces and restaurants come fully equipped and are ready to accommodate. All you have to do is write the check, invite the guests and order a cocktail.
The following are a few of the diverse locales Downtown Los Angeles has to offer. The only thing they require is a bit of creativity.
# Figueroa Hotel
A Jaw-Dropping Setting for Your Most Talked-About Event
Though many Downtowners have likely visited the hotel's lush patio bar during the summer, few have seen the treasures that lay just one floor below.
Party planners guard this location like their best-kept secret. When guests set eyes on the event rooms, you can almost hear the collective silence as jaws drop and they drink it all in, from the billowy silk-covered ceilings to the brilliant jewel-colored pillows and twinkling lanterns.
Hotel owner Uno Thimansson's 1925 landmark features two of the most stunning venues in Downtown - the Tangier Room and Club Fes.
The former is the jewel in the Fig Hotel's crown. Enter through an imposing double door flanked by romantic wrought-iron candleholders into a sultry den of iniquity. Curtained alcoves beckon guests to misbehave on plush couches. A bar on one end stands ready to manufacture the signature blue Fire and Ice cocktails, and an expansive floor is the perfect place for dancing and mingling.
For smaller events of up to 100 people, Club Fes is a Moroccan-inspired wonderland with fabric ballooning from the ceiling in cloud-like puffs. Pierced metal lamps scatter rays of fairy light across the room, as partygoers recline on low benches and leather ottomans.
Pricing depends on the size and scope of the event, as well as the food and beverage package you select. Thimansson custom designs a menu for each client, calling on his staple of crowd favorites that include stuffed grape leaves, spanikopita and succulent kabobs.
In addition to the Tangier Room and Club Fes, the hotel offers the arched doorways and stained glass of the romantic Rabat Room, which has hosted many a wedding. When the weather is balmy (which is almost year-round in L.A.), the bougainvillea-covered Rick's Place is a tented oasis. Plus, the hotel offers some of the best room deals in town, for those party guests who have one too many.
At 939 S. Figueroa St. For information call (213) 627-8971 or visit figueroahotel.com.
# The Edison
Roaring History and Cool Collide
This 14,000-square-foot cocktail bar and lounge occupies the old basement boiler room in the Higgins Building. Descend a free-floating staircase into a noir wonderland filled with the original generators and machinery bumping up against sleek lounge furniture and nattily dressed patrons.
The cavernous space can hold up to 400 people, including the 1920s-esque dancing girls (Eddie's Dancers) who can entertain your party in roaring style. There's dim lighting from antique bulbs, free-flowing bourbon and lots of hidden nooks.
"We customize whatever the client wants," said David Osokow, director of special and media events. "We try not to make any two parties the same."
With about half a dozen event rooms, planners have their pick of settings. The Generator Lounge can host up to 80 people; the Tesla Lounge is available for private dinners of 10 to 45; the Game Room holds private parties up to 20; the petite Well works for groups of about 30; and the Lab can hold as many as 200 people with a stage and private bar. Many of the rooms can be combined, or you can rent out the entire club.
Throughout the week, partygoers will likely be treated to regular entertainment, including a slate of jazz. The special events department will help you plan everything, from the valet to catering to flowers. Osokow said there are unlimited options when it comes to drink packages, bottle service, catered passed trays or buffet dinners.
At 108 W. Second St. (off Harlem Place Alley). For parties of 99 or less contact Michael Geist and for larger groups call David Osokow at (213) 613-0000 or visit edisondowntown.com.
# The Open Space
Supporting the Arts With Special Events
Hassan Christopher is a choreographer by trade, but in the last month he's opened his soaring 2,500-square-foot loft to the public for parties. Though his mainstay is dance classes, theater workshops and art events, Christopher said everyone is welcome.
Dubbed Open Space, the venue sits on the second floor of an industrial building atop the Stacey Woo Fashion Studio in the Arts District.
The loft features blonde hardwood floors, pristine white walls and a wide-open floor plan that can accommodate up to 200 people. The building's most stunning features are the picture windows (just outside you can see the district's famous graffiti art wall) and the high arched wood ceiling that lends the space its New York character.
More affordable than many other event locations Downtown, Open Space runs about $50 an hour or $375 a day (eight hours). He also offers discounts to non-profits and helps subsidize functions for art groups. Since it is a raw space, planners will need to bring in their own equipment and decorations.
At 209 S. Garey St. For information call (213) 926-9078 or visit myspace.com/dolikewhatever.
# Takami & Elevate Lounge
Two Venues, One Dazzling Skyline
Downtown's newest venue is also one of its hottest. With views that extend for miles and stylish looks courtesy of trendy design firm Tag Front, this restaurant and lounge will make a big impact for any party.
The 7,000-square-foot space atop the 21st floor of the 811 Wilshire building features a wraparound patio, which can be enjoyed equally from the restaurant or the sprawling lounge.
Special events coordinator Melissa Summers has already started booking holiday parties. "What makes us different is the view, the indoor and outdoor feel, and the DJ booth and dance floor."
Rent the lounge for a cocktail reception for up to 350 guests, who can dance, mingle and relax on white leather banquettes. Tray-passed hors d'oeuvres reflect the restaurant's Japanese aesthetic. Catering begins at $45 per person.
The more elegant restaurant offers the Kimono Room, which can seat up to 50 people for lunch or dinner (starting at $65 per person).
At 811 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 2100. For information call Melissa Summers at (213) 236-9600 or visit takamisushi.com.
# Hangar 1018
Creativity Takes Flight at an Arts District Hideaway
Ever pass one of those swanky looking gallery openings where all the hipsters are smoking and drinking wine, and you're dying of curiosity to know what goes on inside?
Well, Hangar 1018 is one of those places. Tucked away on the eastern edge of the warehouse district, this art gallery and event space has seen its share of action. The cavernous Hangar, perhaps named for the fact that it could house a small Cessna, has hosted film screenings, photo and video shoots, movie productions and art events.
Behind the metal garage-style doors are wood-trussed rafters and skylights, polished concrete floors and aged brick walls. The gallery becomes a blank canvass in the hands of a party planner: Project images onto the white walls, set up lavish dining tables with towering centerpieces, drench the room in candlelight - the vision can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
Gallery Manager Phillip Jordan said the Hangar can provide security and staff, as well as help with DJs, designers, caterers and setup. He suggests booking three to five weeks prior to the event.
For events on Sunday through Thursday, the Hangar runs $200 an hour, with a minimum fee of $1,500. Events booked for Friday and Saturday are $400 per hour with a minimum of $2,400. The space can accommodate 262 people.
At 1018 S. Santa Fe Ave. For information visit hangar1018.com. Call Phillip Jordan at (213) 239-9060 or email booking@hangar1018.com.
# Staples Center Event Suite
It's Game on With a Sports-Themed Shindig
Who knew the average Joe could experience how the other half of the stadium lives?
Staples Center rents out 20 of its swanky suites to the public for parties of 20 or more on a per-event or per-day basis. Which means you can host your office party, or your out-of-town relatives, at the venue for a unique evening complete with a Kings, Lakers or Clippers game.
Guests make their way through the private Star Plaza VIP entrance and up to level C (third floor) where the plush suites are positioned just behind the baskets and in the corners.
The 20-seat suite allows for an additional 14 people standing and starts at $1,200 while the 72-person suite can hold an additional 60 people standing (starting at $4,320). Prices go up depending on the event. If you have a larger group, they can even combine two suites. Staples Center is also running a Lakers holiday party special that includes a three-game package starting at $5,600.
According to a sales rep, the hottest date for renting a suite is Sunday, Dec. 16, when the Lakers play the Clippers. Add one of the legendary Levy dessert carts to the mix, and a few tray-passed appetizers - or a carving station if you've got the budget - and your employees will thank you all year long.
At 1111 S. Figueroa St. For information visit staplescenter.com or call (877) 522-8669.
page 17, 10/15/2007
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