History in the heart of downtown L.A.

Built in 1927 as office space for dentists, doctors and lawyers, the historic Roosevelt building is reopening this week as luxury lofts and penthouses after a $150-million, three-year renovation.

The Roosevelt, named a Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument in 1988, rises 16 stories in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Its stone and concrete exterior blends Beaux-Arts and Italian-Renaissance elements such as the classical terra-cotta detailing, cornices and arches that became popular in U.S. architecture near the turn of the 20th century.

The lobby retains its mosaic floors, carved wood ceilings and refurbished bronze elevator doors. Lofts have high ceilings, tall windows, Canadian maple hardwood floors and kitchen countertops made of milk glass from China.

A rooftop pool and cabana area have views of South Park. The E-shaped building also creates two light wells, one with a 13-story waterfall mural and courtyard area, the other a garden.


The Roosevelt was one of the first buildings downtown to have underground parking during a time when automobiles were fast becoming fixtures in American culture, said Linda Dishman of the Los Angeles Conservancy, an architectural preservation organization.

One of the earliest buildings along 7th Street, which would become a major commercial hub of the city, the Roosevelt was designed by Alexander Curlett and Claude Beelman, who also created the Barker Brothers Building downtown.