Downtown Los Angeles’ Broadway corridor once faced an uncertain future after the closure of beloved establishments like The Ace Hotel and Clifton’s Republic. But with the reopening of both venues, there are signs of a revival.
More than just a dream
Former CD14 Councilmember Jose Huizar’s “Bringing Back Broadway” initiative had, at one time, revitalized the Broadway corridor between 3rd and Olympic, transforming the area with historic theater restorations, vibrant shops, and a thriving nightlife scene. However, the Councilmember’s FBI conviction and scandal, coupled with the 2020 pandemic, George Floyd Riots, and post-apocalyptic economy that followed, eventually led to the permanent closure of many DTLA favorite nightlife venues on Broadway, including LA Biergarten and one-time beloved restaurant bar, Mezcaleros.
All hope seemed lost for the vision of a refurbished Broadway when The Ace Hotel, United Artist Theatre, Globe Theatre, and Clifton’s Republic closed their doors in late 2023.
Yet, as promised, only six months after its closure, the former Ace Hotel has reopened under a new name: Stile Downtown Los Angeles. Managed by Kasa Living, the 182-room hotel retains its meeting spaces, rooftop pool, and 1,600-seat theater, now known as The United Theater on Broadway.
Originally built in 1927 by rebel artists, as the flagship theater for United Artists’ U.S. West Coast operations, it served as a major movie palace in downtown’s Golden Era.
The historic venue reopened fully refurbished in early 2014 as the functioning Ace Hotel with a live entertainment, dining experiences and special rooftop events.
Unfortunately, in January 2024, the Ace Hotel closed its doors, but no need for worry. It’s back with a new name, bigger and bolder than ever.
Clifton’s Republic Reopens with a Tiki Twist
Clifton’s Red Wood Tree – photo courtesy Clifton’s Republic
The iconic Clifton’s Republic, a multi-level venue and cocktail destination, is reopening in early June 2024 with its eclectic tour of Yosemite National Forest, vintage downtown LA, and the Pacific Seas garnished with olives, cherries, and pineapple slices.
The historic venue, originally Clifton’s Cafeteria, first opened in 1935, when founder Clifford Clinton served up to 10,000 meals a day during the Great Depression.
After struggling for several years, Andrew Meieran purchased and renovated the space, reopening it as Clifton’s Republic in 2015. Despite a brief closure in 2018, again in 2020, and yet again in 2023, the venue remains one of Downtown’s most iconic party destinations thanks to its many levels adorned with murals, taxidermy, and the giant redwood tree.
The Globe Theatre’s Future Remains Uncertain
The Globe Theater – photo by Mike Hume
With the reopening of two of Broadway’s largest nightlife destinations, the question remains: will the future of the historic Globe Theatre originally opened in 1913, remain uncertain? While initial reports suggested a permanent closure, these were later retracted. As of now, there is no official word on the reopening date of the Globe Theatre.
