Memories of the Ambassador, Part One
Franklin Avenue reader Don Stewart sent us this shot of the Ambassador, which he took some time last year. Thanks to everyone who's sending us pics of the now-demolished building -- keep 'em coming! And don't forget to RSVP for the Feb. 2 Ambassador Hotel wake!
An update on the Wake: I've been informed that the majority of the party -- including, yes, the open bar -- will actually be at the Gaylord Apartments (which is the same location -- The HMS Bounty is connected to the Gaylord's lobby). The crowd will likely spill into the HMS Bounty. But drinks aren't free there -- so don't try to pull a fast one on my man Ramon!
In other Ambassador news, the LAUSD is looking for artists to depict the history of the once-grand hotel, according to the Downtown News:
With the demolition of the Ambassador Hotel wrapping up last week, the Los Angeles Unified School District has started the process of selecting artwork to grace the new schools complex that will occupy the site. The district wants original pieces that depict the history of the Ambassador Hotel within the context of Los Angeles from 1921 to 1968.
Corinne Weitzman, an art consultant hired by the school district, said plans are being worked out as to how many pieces will be on the new campus. "It really depends on the response we get and the proposals that come in," she said.
posted by Mike at 12:02 AM
8 Comments:
Oh the irony of this... The LAUSD wants to remember the historic landmark that they destroyed to build their crappy school... by commissioning artwork of the Ambassador? Just fantastic.
To those who thought that the idea that a new Ambassador being built by an anonymous writer was a bad idea, well, what do you think of the idea of the LAUSD of commissioning art work? This idea is worse than that idea ever was.
Thanks,
John
Gosh they're already commissioning artwork and they haven't even started building a single school. Love the LAUSD priorities.
Maybe an oil painting of the hotel surrounded by Romer, Canter and Huizar as the Angels of Death would be appropriate.
For those of you who weren't sure when the hotel's fate was sealed:
"The district wants original pieces that depict the history of the Ambassador Hotel within the context of Los Angeles from 1921 to 1968."
Apparently it closed in 1969. See, and I thought it stayed open until 1989.
But Bob, everyone 'knows' the Ambassador failed to exist after RFK was shot! And all the more reason it should have been torn down because that was the 'only' thing that ever happened there. (BTW,I'm being highly sarcastic)
So those last 20 years must have been a dream like on 'Dallas'.
Does anyone know if there is any cover charge for the "Wake" and what is the charge for the valet parking?
I drove down Wilshire this am and was shocked to see an empty cement pole in front by the sidewalk. I parked,took my camera and walked over and saw that beautiful Ambassador sign on the ground, in the drive way! I felt so bad that I couldn't even take a photo of it. I'm glad I got lots of photos while it was still in place--at the top where it belongs. Where do you suppose they'll store it? :(
I drove down Wilshire this am (Thursday Jan. 26)and was shocked to see an empty cement pole in front by the sidewalk. I parked, took my camera, walked over and saw that beautiful Ambassador sign on the ground, in the drive way! I felt so bad that I couldn't even take a photo of it. I'm glad I got lots of photos while it was still in place--at the top smiling out on Wilshire Blvd. where it belongs. Where do you suppose they'll store it? I think even CoCo (Coconut Grove) looks sad.:( Kathy
Post a Comment
<< Home