Breakfast Club Honors Library, Staples Center
The group that annually ranks the best and worst of downtown Los Angeles real estate scolded the Los Angeles Unified School District for “educational calamity,” praised three downtown buildings, presented special awards to four men, and bestowed a dozen roses on civic and private groups last week at the group’s 20th annual Roses and Lemons Awards breakfast.
The Downtown Breakfast Club chastised the school district for “actions and non-actions” that “have resulted not only in an educational calamity but also have exacted a heavy toll on the city’s taxpayers.”
The Breakfast Club bestowed roses on Library Tower and the Los Angeles Central Library, and named the Staples Center for a special award.
The four men honored were developers Stuart Ketchum, Robert F. Maguire III and Wayne Ratkovich, and architect Albert C. Martin Jr., all of whom “have had a profound impact on downtown over the past 20 years,” the club said.
Ketchum was recognized for his role in developing a number of downtown buildings, including 400 S. Hope St., Arco Center, the Bonaventure Hotel, Wholesale Produce Market and the YMCA branch he funded.
Maguire was cited for Library Tower, Wells Fargo Center, the Gas Co. Tower and the creation of numerous public spaces, including the Bunker Hill Steps, Wells Fargo Court and the Maguire Gardens at the Central Library.
Martin was lauded for designing downtown landmarks that include the Department of Water and Power building and the renovation of City Hall, along with his work for community organizations.
Ratkovich was honored for “innovation in urban infill and rehabilitation of landmark buildings,” including the James Oviatt and Fine Arts buildings, Chapman Market and the Wiltern Theater.
The roses that went to civic and private groups cited them for their commitment to downtown over the last 20 years. Recipients were:
* The city of Los Angeles’ public art program.
* The Community Redevelopment Agency and the MTA jointly for general improvements.
* Lillian Disney for her $50-million donation to Disney Hall.
* Inner-City Arts for its work with children.
* Angels Flight for boosting tourism.
* California Plaza Watercourt for its “exquisite public assembly area.”
* Metro Blueline for aiding transportation.
* The Los Angeles Marathon for improving the city’s image.
* The California Plaza Cultural Event Series.
* Chrysalis for its programs helping the homeless.
* The new Colburn School of Performing Arts.
* The Downtown Center Business Improvement District.