THE ALEXANDRIA HOTEL
A HISTORY

Built in 1906 off of 5th and Spring as a luxury hotel, the Alexandria became residential affordable housing for the elderly and disabled in the early 90’s. In 2006, Ruben Islas purchased the building and began making some renovations that were ummm, a little sketchy. The Times reports:

“The complaint alleges that Islas’ Amerland Group, which specializes in building affordable and senior housing, and the managing partners they hired have ‘systematically and intentionally worked to remove the long-term tenants of the Alexandria and replace them with non-elderly, non-disabled and non-African American tenants.”

According to that article in 2007, he was unavailable to comment to the LA Times. Three years later, I can’t get him to shut up.

Learn more about the series, DEBUNKING DOWNTOWN

THE MAN BEHIND
THE MARTINI

“I am a latino man who grew up with nothing. I built an industry in contracting, married my beautiful wife and started a family. We had an enormous house on the edge of La Jolla with beachfront property, just living the life. Then, one day I turned to my wife and said ‘Honey, we are moving to Downtown Los Angeles.’ You know what she said? I support you my husband, I support you.”

Ok… Now, I know this seems like some hyperbolized dramatization from an after school special about laying trust in loved ones, but these words actually came from the mouth of owner/contractor/media deemed “Slumlord,” Ruben Islas. Ruben bought the Alexandria in 2006 after he made a trip to Downtown LA in 2005 when he learned that his “long, lost uncle” had died on the streets of Skid Row. He recounts the story for me, and boy am I in for a treat.

It was a touching tale of epiphany and heartache –his uncle had died on the streets after spending much of his life (unbeknownst to the family) as a homeless man, “ I remember standing at the exact spot that he had died,” he says, starring up toward the sky in a smoky room, vodka martini in hand –not his first. “I could FEEL it all around me, the sadness, the absence of hope,” he takes a long pause (I can’t tell whether he is immersed in excruciating emotion or if he just can’t remember his next line), “ Then I look up the street –it was a very cloudy day –and do you know what I saw?” I didn’t, but darn was I eager. He leans over the gin slicked bar and whispers to me, “The Alexandria Hotel, surrounded by light.” You could imagine my chills. He pulled back quickly and straightened up (to about as tall as a man with his, uh globular stature might), “And from THAT moment… I KNEW… that I…would buy this building…I would make a DIFFERENCE,” he vows as he pounds out the iambic pentameter (or whatever) with his fists on the bar top; a glistening tear in his eye as he slurps down the last olive.

Lads and Ladies, this is Ruben Islas, and despite how ridiculous his stories may seem –surely the result of a bad PR agent who watched too much 7^th Heaven –he is actually doing some questionably cool things. Here is your guide to the Alexandria hotel. You decide.

THE GUIDE

The Gorbals                                                                                                                                                    

Sparkling Features  a Scottish/Jewish eatery by the counter-cultured Top Chef winner, Ilan Hall (who churns out a floozy of “innovative” culinary exploits), was the Alexandria’s first turn to the trendy. The Gorbals is a cafeteria like casual “gastropub” where you can grab anything from a great bacon burger to a bone marrow and sweet oxtail buns with turnip pickles.

Make Moves Head here on an Artwalk Thursday for some lively atmosphere –complete with circus clowns, a band, and maybe a guy on stilts –and an ethnically cross breaded meal (yes, the bacon-wrapped matzoh balls are a subversive hit).

Navigate It Enter through a hidden corridor off of Spring St. (closer to 5^th). It will lead you into a lobby on which the other side you’ll find the front door to the restaurant.

The Mezz                                                                                                                 

Sparkling Features Above its (The Gorbals) ceiling, in a small mezzanine space that hovers over the 104-year-old lobby is a low roofed jazz club called The Mezz –serving up local bands like The Makers or BB Chung King ,Thursday-Saturday.

Make Moves While this probably isn’t the place you’d bring a date –remember watching your friends band play in someone’s garage in high school? –with no cover, cheap drinks and good music, this should be your go-to on a mellow downtown night with the boys. Grab a burger to-go from The Gorbals downstairs and snag a spot at a table-top (there’s always an open seat).

Navigate It Follow my directions to The Gorbals but instead of going through the door veer right and head up the stairs. On the second floor you’ll see a set of blacked double doors and a makeshift sign reading “The Mezz.”

Two Bits                                                                                                         

Sparkling Features a fresh produce market that will sell veggies and fruit amongst other common day necessities (think of it as a link between Whole Foods and 7/11).

Make Moves Besides the fact that it’s extremely convenient for locals (don’t have to trek to Ralphs), non residents can head here to gather up the fixings for a picnic at Pershing Square (a blocks walk). Grab some artisanal wine and cheese, a few japanese pears and a loaf of bread and you’re good to go.

Navigate It a 1.000 square foot space on 5^th between Broadway and Spring St. (coming soon).

Coronados                                                                                                     

Sparkling Features I never thought I’d say this, but Mexican food takes a turn toward health. They say they’ll be serving modern Mexican menos the grease. They’ll also be serving fresh fruit cocktails and hand-crafted Mexican pastries.

Make Moves You’ll want to check it out when they host the opening of their monthly rotating gallery showcasing local artists. 

Navigate It North Eastern side of the building off of 5th between Broadway and Spring St. (coming soon).

Photos by Brian Faini and Rynofoto

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