HAAS Building

In 1915, Abraham Haas, a San Francisco businessman with Los Angeles roots, envisioned a masterpiece at 7th and Broadway. He brought his vision to life: the Haas Building. This twelve-story Beaux Arts beauty, also known as the Broadway Exchange Building, quickly became a landmark in Downtown Los Angeles. The Haas Building wasn’t just another office block. It was a testament to opulence and modernity. Imagine marble hallways, mahogany interiors, and three high-speed elevators, a marvel in 1915. The price tag for such luxury? A cool $100,000. The Haas Building pulsated with the city’s energy. So many real estate deals were struck within its walls that it was considered a barometer of the Los Angeles financial scene. In December 1915, the Bank of Italy, recognizing the building’s prestige, secured a 25-year lease for the ground floor and basement. They envisioned a grand banking hall, complete with safe deposit vaults in the basement. The Haas Building has housed a fascinating mix of tenants throughout its history. The Southern California Tourist Bureau lured visitors to the region’s sunny shores from its offices. The Lee H. Stodder Company, representing the Burkhard Investment Company, brokered deals. The Southern California Oil Co. fueled the region’s growth. Even the Ku Klux Klan briefly held an office in the building during the early 1920s. However, their tenancy was short-lived after a raid by the District Attorney unearthed two carloads of records. The Chicago Tribune, seeking to expand its reach, established a branch office here hoping to entice Californian businesses to advertise in their Midwestern publication. Years later, the Jewish Community Center-Chabad of Downtown Los Angeles found a home within its walls. Although a 1970s modernization concealed much of the Haas Building’s original terra cotta facade behind a metal skin, remnants of its architectural glory can still be glimpsed on the 7th Street side. Today, the Haas Building has been reborn. It houses 68 live/work lofts, including a luxurious rooftop penthouse, and is home to the Haas Trademark Collection by Wyndham. The Haas Building stands as a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Downtown Los Angeles. It’s a building that has witnessed the city’s evolution, from a booming real estate market in the early 20th century to its modern renaissance.