QuickDraw Fund Control Supports the Preservation of a Miracle Mile Icon
As a trusted expert between lenders and borrowers during the construction process, QuickDraw Fund Control supports both the preservation and improvement of existing structures, as well as the construction of new buildings and dwellings that enhance commercial and residential sites throughout California and the Western US.
The QuickDraw team took special delight in working alongside the developers and designers who headed the restoration of the Firestone Tire building located at 800 S. La Brea in L.A.’s iconic Miracle Mile. This eclectic neighborhood situated halfway between downtown Los Angeles and Beverly Hills was built expressly for the newly minted drivers of the 1930s, with the world’s first parking garages, dedicated turn lanes and timed traffic lights. It is still easy to imagine the glitterati of the day rolling down Wilshire Avenue in their Mercedes-Benz W25 Silver Arrows and Cadillac Sixteens, on their way to see the latest film at the art deco El Rey theater (1936) or dine among the famed palms of the Cocoanut Grove nightclub inside the Ambassador Hotel (1921).
Constructed in 1938, the 13,000 square foot Firestone building is a spectacular example of streamline moderne style, with its original red floors; sleek, tiled facade with floor-to-ceiling windows; and curvilinear roofline jazzed up with neon lighting. The original patrons lounged in old Hollywood glamour while having their vehicles maintained inside this ultra-posh auto service station.
The 83-year-old building reopened in February as home to an on-site microbrewery, All Seasons Brewing, paired with a Chicas Tacos stand. The sprawling garage space with exposed industrial ceilings is an ideal gathering place as we move into a post-COVID environment, with well-spaced tables and booths, as well as patio seating on the driveway apron. Diners can also enjoy playing retro games while they savor their beer and tacos.
The four-year restoration that began in 2017 moved slowly for two reasons. First, because designer Matt Winter of M. Winter Design was methodical about preserving the building’s original fixtures and finishes. The building’s entire facade was stripped by hand and repainted to its original colors, and original windows now provide a view of All Season’s brewing vats.
Winter told Eater, Los Angeles, “As always, we paid close attention to the details of the building, the color scheme, the intention of it. There was no piece on this building that was scrapped and not reused.”
The pandemic slowed construction, resulting with longer lead times to complete final improvements and obtain city approvals. QuickDraw was there every step of the way, inspecting progress and keeping the lines of communication open between the lender, borrower and general contractor.
The Firestone building has been formally preserved by the City of Los Angeles, so its glory will live on for future generations. In the meantime, Winter and his design team will continue to uncover memorabilia and fixtures that pay homage to a lavish yesteryear.
Whether providing due diligence prior to the issuance of a construction loan, assessing project costs and budget reviews, or providing site inspections and fund control, QuickDraw Fund Control is proud to take part in projects that improve communities. Let us help you make your next project a success. Contact us at https://quickdrawfc.wpengine.com/contact-us/.