Sponsored message
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

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.

News

Historic Aztec Hotel Will Undergo Major Revitalization

A postcard depicts the hotel, with its Mayan facade, on a street corner. An American flag flies from a pole on the roof.
A vintage postcard shows the Aztec Hotel.
(
Monrovia Public Library
/
via Flickr
)

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 tax-deductible donation now.

The Aztec Hotel in Monrovia is, to say the least, an eye-catching property. But it's fallen into disrepair and isn't being used. Now there's a plan to revitalize the whole property, and the local community, as well as preservationists, are pretty stoked.

Designed by Robert Stacy-Judd in what's called the Mayan Revival style of architecture, the hotel opened on September 6, 1925. It was Stacy-Judd's first U.S. commission, after having worked on several projects prior in the UK.

Last week a group gathered at the hotel to discuss its future, according to Monrovia Patch.

There's a punch list of about a dozen things that need to get done as the initial phase of the property's revitalization: "Among them are revamping the restrooms and providing ADA (American Disabilities Act) access, completely updating electrical and plumbing systems, and remodeling the restaurant and commercial spaces."

The meeting gave interested parties a chance to talk about their concerns, ideas, and involvement in the project. Here's a bit more from Patch about how the Aztec is going to get a new lease on life:

The changes will take place in three phases. The first phase will be to enable the restaurant to once again become operational and to secure tenants for the commercial spaces facing Foothill Boulevard. In addition, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems will be updated as well as addressing the condition of the roof. Phase two will focus on restoring the exterior façade and increasing the number of parking spaces for the hotel as well as seeking to upgrade the clientele. The third phase will include projects as the need arises.

The Aztec was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, and received designation as a local landmark building in 2003.

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 from readers like you 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

Make your tax-deductible donation today

A row of graphics payment types: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay and PayPal, and  below a lock with Secure Payment text to the right