The former Los Angeles Stock Exchange building has reopened as Exchange LA, a nightlife and event venue offering top-end audiovisual capabilities, plus original Art Deco character and original historic elements. After a $5 million retrofit and restoration of the property, the Exchange LA space began booking private events on June 4 and is available for buyout with room for 1,000 people; special permitting can increase that number by several hundred, if necessary.
The building, which broke ground just before the stock market crash of 1929, was once home to the Los Angeles branch of the now defunct Pacific Stock Exchange. It sits along downtown's gallery row, and the building's room names pay homage to the its past: The main event space and dance floor is called the Trading Floor; the reservation-only mezzanine is known as the Federal Reserve; and the private fourth-floor area is known as the Board Room. The entire venue is 25,000 square feet and includes four stories, four bars, and private access to the Board Room by way of a restored vintage elevator with a '30s-style-clad elevator operator.
Among the preserved elements are 12-foot solid bronze doors at the entrance, weighing 1,400 pounds apiece, original crown molding, frosted-glass Art Deco chandeliers, and an antique stock trading monitor. The Trading Floor, with a decorated hand-painted ceiling that rises 40 feet above the wood floor, has a stage for DJ or performances. Behind it is a 9- by 16-foot video screen, equipped with more than 1.5 million LED lights for a high-resolution image. There's a Funktion-One sound system and customizable lighting from designer Stephen Lieberman of SJ Lighting. Modular furniture has locking drawers that allow guests to stow valuables. A designated catering area on the ground floor has ice machines, refrigeration, and other event amenities.
“It would be a tragedy to let this architectural gem fall into neglect,” said Camill Sayadeh, one of Exchange LA’s principals, in a release. “After a great deal of effort and resources, we feel we’ve respected its unique history while also making it accessible and desirable as a destination for today’s audience. Exchange LA will be a great fit for high-profile events, such as awards after-parties, studio events, and nonprofit galas.”
