project: Andaz West Hollywood
client: Hyatt
location: West Hollywood, Calif.
designer: Janson Goldstein

It’s always a challenge to rebrand a property, especially one like the Hyatt West Hollywood that’s rich in its history and rock-n-roll lore. But this Sunset Strip property—which originated as the Gene Autry Hotel in 1963 and gained notoriety as Continental Hyatt House, or Riot House, when frequented in the ’70s by rock legends Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones—was reopened in January 2009 as an Andaz Hotel, a new brand of Hyatt, after a top-to-bottom redesign by Janson Goldstein.

Hal Goldstein, a partner at the New York-based design firm, explains that his team was charged with creating a new brand that was site specific. “We sought to create a place that’s unique to the location, incorporating the sexiness of West Hollywood and sophistication of the Hollywood Hills,” he explains. “The design is informed by the hotel’s history, but not expressed in a literal way. It’s like a ghost of its past.”

Immediately upon entry, the “ghost of the past” is evident in a full-wall, backlit image, which illustrates a storm with sunspots and “represents the energy of the ’60s and ’70s,” according to Goldstein, who adds, “We worked with artist Amanda Weill to create this image that taps into the essence of what the hotel was back then and brings it into the present.”

Furniture, materials, and textures are a mix of vintage and newer pieces that seamlessly integrate so there’s no distinction between what’s old and new. “The lobby reflects a ruggedness and sexiness of the Sunset Strip,” Goldstein says, referencing the burnt oakwood and distressed motorcycle-jacket leather. The ground floor offers one continuous space where guests can meander through from the lobby into the RH Andaz restaurant. “My favorite part of the project is openness and warmth,” admits Andaz West Hollywood general manager Michel Morauw. “I love the way the spaces transition between one another; between the lounge and RH, the communal tables and the oakwood and tumbled marble floors offer a natural transition.” Goldstein adds, “When visitors enter the hotel, they can appreciate the layering of depth and details. If you keep returning, you’ll see strong design elements, but also see depth to the detailing that keeps building.”

Anchoring this hotel in its Hollywood setting, an all-glass pavilion extends RH out onto Sunset Boulevard. This glass box is framed in skeletal steel, with an organic, psychedelic, public art installation by local artist Jacob Hashimoto on the exterior. The hotel also sports an all-glass southern façade. Modeled after case study glass houses in the Hollywood Hills, the loft-like junior suites have balconies enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass to offer spectacular views of the valley, as does the rooftop pool deck that overlooks all of the Los Angeles basin.

Content with his design team’s rebranding of this hotel, Goldstein notes, “There are a lot of products out there in this market segment, and Andaz distinguishes itself as something unique and long lasting within this segment.”

jury comment:
“The project speaks of high design but is so drunk with the power of art. The two work together beautifully to create a seductive and yet sophisticated atmosphere. The clear and restrained palette of materials gains enormous life from the celebratory use of glass and light. It’s surprising, mysterious, dramatic, and sensual.”

who
Project: Andaz West Hollywood. Design architect: Janson Goldstein. Architect of record: Shlemmer+Algaze+Associates. General contractor: Lombardi Contracting Corporation. Lighting consultant: Johnson Light Studio. Kitchen consultant: The General Group. Structural engineering consultant: Nishkian Chamberlain. Electrical/plumbing consultant: Davidovich & Associates. Mechanical consultant: Rosini Engineering. Fire life safety consultant: Schirmer Engineering Corporation. Facade consultant: Front Inc. Civil engineering consultant: KPFF Consulting Engineers. Landscape architect: Ah’bé Landscape Architects. Roofing consultant: Benchmark, Inc. Photographyer: Mikiko Kikuyama.

what
Art: Jacob Hashimoto. Carpet: Tai Ping, Fort Street Studio. Window Tratment: Salk UK. Tone, tile: Ann Saks, Stone Source, Bar Bros Partners, Moruzzi. Furniture: Moroso, Moore & Giles, Knoll Studio, Mark Albrecht Studio, Dransfield & Ross, David Sutherland, Delgreco & Company, Ralph Pucci. Wood flooring: Siberian Wood Floors. Lighting: Neidhardt, Anta, Kaia Licht, Italamp, AV Mazzega, Hevi-Lite, Trend, Artemus, io light, Lucifer, Altman, Targetti, Elliptipar, A&L, Hunza. Upholstery: Zimmer & Rhode, Angela Brown LTD, Cortina Leather. Fixture: Lombardi Contracting.

Where
Location: West Hollywood, CA.

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