2008 Preservation Award winners
The Los Angeles Conservancy has named the winners of its 27th annual Preservation Awards, which will be presented May 8 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown L.A. Among the honorees: the Eastern Columbia Lofts, the Art Deco landmark downtown whose renovation was featured as the Home section cover story May 17. The buildings pièce de résistance is the rooftop pool deck, set under the iconic clock tower. The original terra cotta tiles in sea-foam green and cerulean blue have been restored. When the photo originally was published, some readers asked if the reflection in the pool was enhanced. It was not. (Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times)
The Eastern Columbia was built in 1930 as commercial space and converted by the Kor Group into about 150 lofts. Chief executive Bradford Korzens wife, designer Kelly Wearstler, handled the lobby, shown here. The restored, original terrazzo floor was complemented by a design that reflects the evolution of Wearstlers Hollywood Regency look. (Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Times)
