The former Los Angeles Stock Exchange, one of the city’s most remarkable architectural landmarks, reopened in June as Exchange LA, a unique nightlife and special events venue offering state-of-the-art AV capabilities and design, while preserving the building’s one-of-a-kind Art Deco character and original historic elements. One part nightlife destination, one part special events venue, Exchange LA is available for private party buyouts or sophisticated nightlife and promotional events. On June 4, 2010, the Exchange LA team began accepting bookings for private events, followed by a mid-June kick-off that featured a series of A-list nightlife events hosted by sought after weekly event producers.

Through meticulous planning and over $5 million in retrofitting and restoration, Exchange LA’s owners have managed to maintain much of the building’s history, while also incorporating top-tier technology available for use in live entertainment, corporate events, business conferences, and more — a unique synthesis of history and modernity in one venue. The building itself, which broke ground just before the notorious stock market crash of 1929, was once home to the Los Angeles branch of the now defunct Pacific Stock Exchange. Located along downtown Los Angeles’ “Gallery Row,” in an area once known as the “Wall Street of the West,” Exchange LA weaves this history into its existing incarnation. Throughout the venue, room names are an homage to the building’s storied past, including the main event space and dance floor, dubbed the “Trading Room;” the reservation-only mezzanine level, or “Federal Reserve;” and the private fourth floor area, titled “The Board Room.” The entire venue is 25,000 sq. ft. and includes four stories, four bars, and private access to The Board Room via a restored vintage elevator — complete with a 30’s-style clad elevator operator.


“It would be a tragedy to let this architectural gem fall into neglect,” says Camill Sayadeh, one of Exchange LA’s principals. “After a great deal of effort and resources, we feel we’ve respected its unique history while also making it accessible, and desirable, as a destination for today’s audience. Exchange LA will be a great fit for high-profile events, such as awards after parties, studio events, and non-profit galas.” A few of Exchange LA’s notable preserved elements include 12-ft. solid bronze doors at the entrance, weighing 1,400 pounds apiece; original crown molding; frosted glass Art Deco chandeliers; and an antique stock trading monitor that was used to display the buying and selling of stocks for on looking traders. The Trading Floor, whose decorated hand-painted ceiling soars 40 ft. above the wood floor, features a stage for DJ or live band performances. Behind this stage is a massive 9-ft. by 16-ft. video screen, equipped with 1.5 million-plus LED lights that will offer a high-resolution image unlike any other in the city. A state-of-the-art Funktion-One sound system, also only available at Exchange LA, provides unsurpassed sound quality, while cutting-edge lighting from acclaimed lighting designer Stephen Lieberman of SJ Lighting provides customizable ambiance for any event. Adding additional style and comfort, the venue’s custom-designed, modular furniture features key-locked drawers, allowing patrons to stow handbags and other valuables before hitting the dance floor. A designated catering area on the ground floor provides ice machines, refrigeration, and other amenities for hosting large-scale events.

Service is of the utmost priority at Exchange LA and the team has created several unique positions to serve a variety of patrons’ needs. An Events Concierge is available to help potential clients outline the type of event they envision and make recommendations with regard to décor, entertainment, catering, and more. Guests who reserve a table on the mezzanine level, or Federal Reserve as it’s called, are designated their own cocktail server, and a Nightlife Concierge provides assistance for special guests in need of a limo, hotel room, or tickets to a sold-out concert. “We are extremely service-oriented,” says director of Operations Roman Sanchez, adding, “It’s all about making it a memorable night for our clients.”

The Essentials
Exchange LA is located at 618 South Spring St., in the historic Los Angeles Stock Exchange building in downtown Los Angeles. For more information, or to make arrangements for an event, please call (213) 627-8070 or visit www.exchangela.com.