We've moved!

As of late 2013, we no longer update this blog.

Please come visit us at our beautiful new website: designeastoflabrea.org

Thank you!

November 23 > "Eat to the Beat" Grand Central Market Tour and dublab Proton Drive Celebration > DTLA

Grand Central Market has been feeding LA for almost 100 years. When it opened in 1917, Broadway was the principal commercial and entertainment corridor of downtown Los Angeles. The Market has always reflected the changing population of downtown. Today, as the downtown historic core continues to evolve (particularly Broadway), Grand Central Market is once again adapting. Join de LaB for a tour of this historical and epicurean landmark with Kevin West, former W editor, and author of Saving the Season, the blog and cookbook. We'll see (and taste) firsthand what is helping to transform Grand Central Market from yesteryear's farmer's market into LA's own version of Pike Place.

We'll start by exploring the 45,000 square foot arcade and meeting some of the shops that are helping to make the market a national-caliber eating experience, including the signature stops like Sarita’s Pupuseria, Las Morelianas, and Tacos Tumbras a Tomas; as well as the newbs like Sticky Rice, Eggslut, Valerie, G&B Coffee, and more. We'll end the tour at Horse Thief Barbecue just in time for lunch.

Following the tour, stay for dublab's Eat to the Beat Fall 2013 Proton Drive Closing Celebration. The beloved LA music and culture collaborative will be dropping beats all day long and curating a slate of fun activities to celebrate the close of their biannual fundraising drive.  Eat to the Beat is free and open to the public.

Kick off Thanksgiving a bit early: eat up with de LaB, then stay and dance it off with dublab!

Grand Central Market Tour and dublab Proton Drive Closing Celebration
Saturday, November 23

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Guided tour of Grand Central Market with Kevin West
1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.: Buy-your-own lunch from any of the vendors and meet at Horse Thief, then stick around for the rest of "Eat to the Beat" and dublab's Proton Drive Closing Celebration!

RSVPs for this event will open at this link on Wednesday, November 6 at 10:00 a.m.

Grand Central Market
317 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Excellent walking, biking and transit directions provided here; parking also available.

More about dublab: 
dublab is a community supported web radio station and creative collective celebrating 14 years of sharing music. As a non-profit organization they rely upon contributions to achieve their positive music mission. Listener donations provide half of dublab’s funding. Public support is essential and greatly appreciated.  dublab’s Fall 2013 “Proton Drive” Fundraiser is happening November 4-23. They will be broadcasting live on dublab.com from 8am-8pm PST each weekday and beyond to inspire your support. Tune-in and join the dublab family by giving a generous, tax-deductible donation!

November 9 > 28th Street Apartments Tour > South LA

For the next event in our Making LA series, we're visiting South Los Angeles, where a historic YMCA has been brought back to life by Koning Eizenberg. The 28th Street Apartments is a supportive housing and community space for individuals transitioning from foster care. In addition to a careful restoration of the historic features, a new residential wing provides affordable apartments for residents with sustainable features like cooling cross-ventilation and solar energy from photovoltaics. In addition, the existing rooftop was repurposed as a garden and social space to link the historic building to new construction.



Built in 1926, the 28th Street YMCA provided a recreational respite, a place for socializing, and affordable housing for the predominantly African American community. Designed by renowned African American architect Paul Williams, the YMCA glittered as a jewel of the neighborhood until it fell into disrepair in the latter part of the 20th century. After it was acquired by Clifford Beers Housing in 2009, the organization worked closely with the architects to restore the building to its former sense of pride while looking forward to the new role it could serve in the community.

This collaboration between Clifford Beers Housing and the Coalition for Responsible Community Development exemplifies the potential for public-private partnership and has won numerous awards to date. Read more about the project at Architectural Record.

28th Street Apartments Tour
Saturday, November 9
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Free, RSVP required, space is limited.

RSVP here

28th Street Apartments
1006 East 28th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90011 [view map]

Street parking is available. There are bike racks at the building. The major bus lines run along Central and Adams and are an easy walk away from the building, plan your trip at Metro.net

About the Speakers

Julie Eizenberg, AIA founding Principal, brings design vision and leadership to the firm’s wide range of projects. Julie is an astute observer and institutional iconoclast leading investigations that reshape the way we think about the architecture of everyday life. Under her and partner Hank Koning’s lead, the firm has earned more than 90 awards for their projects, including 25 AIA awards, the 2009 AIA California Council Firm of the Year Award, and the 2012 AIA Los Angeles Gold Medal in recognition of a lasting influence on the theory and practice of architecture. Julie teaches and lectures around the world and is a frequent advisor to the U.S. Mayor’s Institute on City Design.

Paul Miller, Architect, LEED AP, Associate joined Koning Eizenberg in 2004 and has worked on a range of institutional, commercial, and multi-family and affordable housing projects, he contributes to the firm’s design process that involves a thorough understanding of client requirements, along with a rigorous approach to innovation and sustainable design. His excellent communication skills, and extensive knowledge of cost, code and construction methods ensures strong project development, from design through completion.

Vanessa Luna, Housing Director, spent seven years prior to joining Clifford Beers in the field of affordable housing development as a project manager for Skid Row Housing Trust. During this time, she managed the development and completion of 394 affordable housing units, with an additional 171 units under construction at the time of her departure. The majority of these units are supportive housing units targeted toward special needs and formerly homeless individuals. She was instrumental in securing loans, grants, and equity from both private and public sources for these projects, which include two 9% re-syndications and two projects funded with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act federal stimulus funds.






This program was made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

October 19 > Hyperion Avenue Open Studio Tour and Making LA Fundraiser > Silver Lake

Did you know a one-mile swath of Hyperion Avenue in Silver Lake is home to some of the greatest architectural talent east of La Brea? Join de LaB on Saturday, October 19th for a self-directed tour of five fascinating architecture studios, all within walking distance of one another.

Michael Maltzan Architecture: Founded in 1995, Michael Maltzan Architecture has designed some of Skid Row's most transformative projects, including two projects which have hosted de LaB events: New Carver Apartments and Inner City Arts. See the plans for the upcoming Sixth Street Viaduct and currently under-construction One Sante Fe.

Warren Techentin Architecture (WTARCH):  Headed by architect Warren Techentin, WTARCH is an award-winning, multi-disciplinary office that includes designs for single-family residences like this Los Feliz Residence or this house in the Pacific Palisades, plus multi-family housing, educational and institutional spaces.

MASS Architecture & Design: If you're a fan of Silverlake Wine, Intelligentsia Venice or Pasadena, or Pitfire Pizza, then you're already familiar with the work of MASS Architecture and its principal, Ana Henton (or maybe you joined us for her tour of a renovated USC fraternity house). We apologize that this studio is not ADA-accessible. Please be careful, the stairs are steep.

Lehrer Architects: Founded in 1985 by native Angeleno Michael Lehrer, the national firm has worked on a number of community-based projects, including the recently opened Spring Street Park in downtown LA which is nominated for the Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt People's Design Award, the Annenberg Innovation Lab at USC, Reseda Pool, and the Restore Neighborhood LA Affordable Housing Prototypes.

MAKE Architecture: A collaborative architecture and design firm founded by Jess Mullen-Carey and Bill Beautur in 2000, the studio's focus is broad and encompasses architecture, furniture, product and graphic design. Perhaps you joined us two years ago for a visit to Beer Belly in Koreatown designed by MAKE?

Hyperion Avenue Open Studio Tour
Saturday October 19
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The tour is self-directed; tickets and a map will be issued via email on Friday, October 18

Afterwards, join the group for buy-your-own happy hour from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Hyperion Public
2538 Hyperion Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90027

Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance

Purchase tickets here.

Please read our ticket policy for this event
- Tickets for the tour cost $20 person, and must be purchased in advance.
- Space is limited and we will not accept payment for tickets on the day of the tour.
- The tour is self-directed and tickets and a map will be issued via email which you will need to print or show on your phone at each location.
- Tickets and a map will be issued via email on Friday, October 19
- All ticket sales are final and no refunds will be given. All proceeds will go to support future de LaB programming, including our Making LA series.
- Children under 12 are not allowed, no exceptions, please.
- Some of the studios have steep stairs and are not wheelchair accessible, we apologize for this.

We need docents! Volunteers will be assigned a 1.5 hour shift and will receive one free ticket to the tour. Please be willing to commit to a 1.5 hour shift on Saturday, October 19th. Docents must arrive 10 min prior to the start of their shift. Early shift times are approximately 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. and late shifts will be approximately 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Studio docents are present at the door, checking tickets and ensuring visitors are respectful and follow the rules outlined in the Open Studio Tour ticket.




Here's a general map showing the location of the studios, but we'll be providing you with a detailed map and addresses for all the studios.


View de LaB Hyperion Open Studio Tour in a larger map

October 1 > Magic Castle Tour > Hollywood

As an icon of Hollywood, the Magic Castle needs no introduction. Since 1963 the Victorian mansion has served as a private club and academy for magicians counting over 5,000 members worldwide. The historic-cultural monument was designed in 1909 by Lyman Farwell and Oliver Dennis and remains one of the most beloved—and mysterious—buildings in the city. On this private tour, we'll learn about the historic structure as well as the renovations that occurred after a devastating fire on Halloween Night 2011. Who knows, we may even meet Irma, the castle's resident ghost.

Tuesday, October 1
Meet at 5:30 p.m.
Afterwards you can enjoy food, drinks and magic at the club

The Magic Castle
7001 Franklin Avenue
Hollywood, CA 90028

Tickets are $10 per person and will go on sale Tuesday, September 17 at 10:00 a.m. PST

Buy tickets at this link after 9/17 at 10:00 a.m.

Space is extremely limited for this tour and we expect tickets to disappear quickly!
- Limit two tickets per person
- Everyone must be 21 and older
- You can cancel for a full refund up until 48 hours before the event
- The waitlist will be limited to 30 people (please don't email to ask if you can get added, when it's full, it's full, we promise)

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will benefit The Academy of Magical Arts.

September 28 > Making LA > Lake and Lotuses: An Echo Park Lake Restoration Tour

Image courtesy of Sterling Davis

For our inaugural NEA Art Works-funded Making LA event we're visiting a piece of LA history at Echo Park Lake. Originally built in 1860 as a reservoir for drinking water, the lake and surrounding park recently underwent a two-year, $45 million rehabilitation. The trash, urban detritus and bacteria that killed the fish and flowers are gone. In its place are nearly 400 new lotus plants, spruced up walking paths, newly planted native greenery, and a restored fountain, boathouse and The Lady of the Lake. Plus, the pedal boats are back, as well as the recently opened Square One cafe!

Image courtesy of LA I'm Yours

Join us on September 28th for a tour of this beautifully restored piece of parkland paradise that once again serves as Echo Park's backyard. We'll be hearing from the architects, engineers and politicians who helped make it happen, followed by a BYOP (bring your own picnic!) by the lake.

Echo Park Lake Tour
Saturday, September 28
Meet at 11:30 in front of the boathouse

751 Echo Park Ave
Los Angeles CA 90026


RSVP here

Street parking only. Metro lines 92, 4, 2, 704 are all nearby, plan your trip at Metro.net

Please wear comfortable shoes as we will be walking on uneven terrain, and bring sunscreen, a blanket, a frisbee, a picnic and anything else to enjoy a day by the lake.

Our plan for the day:

• 11:30 a.m. Meet in front of the boathouse
• 12:00 p.m. Tour begins with opening remarks by newly elected councilmember Mitch O'Farrell from Council District 13.
• 12:15-ish We will then tour the park with Black & Veatch engineer Jim Rasmus and AECOM landscape architect Josh Segal, two of the key leads who oversaw this complex rehabilitation.
• 1:00 p.m. We encourage you to bring a picnic or purchase lunch at Square One and stay to enjoy the park. Pedal boats will also be available for rent on a first come, first serve basis. 

Image courtesy of LA I'm Yours

A little more about the day's speakers:

Mitch O'Farrell
Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell was elected to represent Los Angeles’ 13 Council District in May of 2013. Prior to that, he served as a Field Deputy, District  Director, and as Senior Advisor to Council President Eric Garcetti from 2002-2012. Mitch’s accomplishments while on the staff of Councilmember Eric Garcetti  include restoration of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Echo Park Lake renovation and boathouse restoration, the Glassell Park Community and Senior Center, and improvements at the Los Angeles River, including new parks and miles of walking and biking paths. He worked on community gardens, farmers markets, increasing public safety, helping small businesses, and general quality of life improvements across the district.

Jim Rasmus
Mr. Rasmus is Practice Leader for Water Resources in the West for Black & Veatch.  He specializes in the planning and design of regional-scale urban stormwater systems that enhance water quality. While many of these projects are initially driven by stormwater regulations, Jim and his team have found creative solutions that integrate these projects into the local water supply portfolio.   Mr. Rasmus’ innovative ideas and leadership have led his clients to numerous awards for innovations in urban water quality including: APWA’s Best Environmental Project Award; Natural Resources Defense Council’s Beach Buddies Award; APWA’s Technical Innovation Award; Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors of California’s Honor Award for Engineering Excellence; APWA’s  Project of the Year Award for Environmental Projects; and the Construction Management Association of America’s Public Infrastructure Project of the Year.

Josh Segal
Josh Segal is a landscape architect with AECOM’s Los Angeles office. His background includes project work for public agencies as well as private-sector clients, including the design of public realm urban spaces, transit-oriented design, ecological design, and recreation projects. As a project manager and accomplished designer, Josh provides leadership on projects in all phases from visioning and concept through master planning, schematic design, construction documentation, and implementation. Josh holds a BA in Communication from University of California, San Diego, and a Masters in Landscape Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Josh is a Registered Landscape Architect with the State of California and a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).


This program was made possible in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

 
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September 12 > de LaB and Hand-Eye Supply present Designer Open Mic > Hollywood

We're joining forces with the awesome Portland-based Hand-Eye Supply during their month-long L.A. pop-up for an evening of open-mic style creative proliferation. Sign up on arrival for 3 minutes of designer fame and your opportunity to share what you're working on with your design community. Or watch the presentations and enjoy a beautiful late-summer evening in the awesome DIY-focused space with a beer in hand.

Have some new material you'd like to test out? Perhaps you've hit the wall on the latest project in the studio or workshop and need some feedback. Maybe you've just made a groundbreaking new discovery, or unearthed new technology you'd like to share? Or, maybe you're just damn proud of the quality and commitment you put into your latest round of work. Whatever lights your fire, we wanna hear about it! Pitch us your ideas then sit back and soak in your peers' sweet creativity.

Hardcopy sketches, prototypes and thoughtful feedback are encouraged. This is Show and Tell with a critical eye!

Designer Open Mic
Thursday, September 12
7:00 to 9:00 p.m. 

RSVP here

Space 15 Twenty
1520 N. Cahuenga Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Refreshments provided (beer and snacks) or you can dine at Umami Burger and still watch the show.

Designer Open Mic is hosted by design east of La Brea, and Hand-Eye Supply's Pop-up Institute for Craft and Ingenuity, a month long pop-up shop and educational happening in collaboration with Space 15 Twenty in Los Angeles, California. Check out all their events happening August 12-September 15 here.

Hand-Eye Supply is a retail store in Portland, Oregon which serves the design and making communities on a local, national and world-wide level. It is the official store of one of the Internet's oldest websites, Core77, which has been covering design and providing resources to creative professionals for the past 18 years. Space 15 Twenty is a unique retail setting which collaborates with creative brands and includes a performance space, pop-up, gallery, book shop and restaurant.

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