LAist: 404 South Figueroa - LA's mutation of space

nomad

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:55:59 -0800

I actually discovered the Standard while having a drink at the topfloor bar of this bldg on one of my 1st nights in LA. There is a larger version (73 stories) of this building in Detroit called the Renaissance Center (now GM headquarters). It dominates the Detroit skyline and was also built in 1977. When I first saw the LA building I just thought it was coincidence unitl I walked inside.. and there is no mistaking thier simalarities. So this building also brings back memories to me, but of field trips and familty visits to a whole other place.

vega

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:32:15 -0800

I went there as a kid on a school field trip. Wasn't the 80s sitcom "It's a Living" supposedly about the restaurant at the top?

Will Campbell

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:25:53 -0800

With the first couple sentences my eyes were rolling, but I stayed with this post and want to join the first commenter in appreciating Ike for this wonderful exploration of a place that as an L.A. native (who was a teen when the Bonaventure debuted) I'd long accepted as just another part of the landscape. Thanks for reopening my eyes up to its uniqueness and to what it is and aspires to be.

miss_mo2

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:23:42 -0800

I have been visiting the Bonaventure for all of my life. This building is a part of my being, really. My family spend countless Easters/Thanksgivings/Father's Days and birthdays at buffet. I loved riding up and down the elevators, going to the revolving bar at the top (formerly called 'The Top o'5). The rounded staircases, the 'balcony' seating and the maze-like corridors all bring back fond memories. Thanks for this piece.