Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
There Are Plans To Open A New Gastropub At Union Station's Historic Harvey House
Vintage photo of the Harvey House restaurant in Union Station (Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection)
The historic Harvey House in Union Station hasn't been occupied by a restaurant since it closed its doors in 1967. But now, a new gastropub from the guys who brought to downtown joints like Cole's and Seven Grand is in the works to fill the space.
Metro's blog, The Source, reported today that the Metro Board of Directors are deciding this month on whether to give Cedd Moses and Eric Needleman of Spirited Group the lease on the place, now dubbed the Fred Harvey Room. If the board approves the lease at its Oct. 2 meeting, then the duo, who are also known for other ventures like Broadway Bar, the Golden Gopher and Casey's Irish Pub, will get to open shop. It would take an estimated several months to a year for the restaurant to open—and the renovations would be done under the watch of an architectural historian.
The original Harvey House was owned by Fred Harvey and designed by Southwestern architect Mary Colter. Known for its fine dining and female servers, it even inspired the 1946 film, The Harvey Girls, starring Judy Garland. The prestige of the Harvey girls who waited tables was on par with something like PanAm stewardesses.
In its most recent years, the Fred Harvey House has been only available for filming and special events. Fiona Apple shot her music video for "Paper Bag" at the location, which can be seen here:
Related:
Vintage Photos Of Union Station's First Years, Celebrating Its 75th Anniversary
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
