I went for a tour of the newly renovated (more like completely rehauled) Waldorf Hotel on Hastings between Clark and Commercial yesterday. What was once a hub of creative energy and good times had browned and turned dingy over the decades but has recently been offered renewed life and direction by Ernesto Gomez of Nuba and musician Thomas Anselmi.
Honestly, the place is incredible. They've restored an original tiki theme that you might not have otherwise noticed was even there (it must have been covered in the aforementioned dinge the last time I was there) and will not only be reopening as a concept hotel with an attached hair salon (run by Barbarella) and a gift shop (curated by Meghan Paterson, formerly of Mr Lee's) but also two restaurants, a tiki bar, two semi-attached music/nightclub/performance venues and a massive licensed patio sunken below the street on the West side of the building. The space is huge, the ideas are huger and hopefully the reception of this space as a renewed cultural hub will be the hugest. I cannot tell you how excited I am for the Waldorf to reopen it's doors.
The sign will be one of the last pieces of construction to be completed before their grand re-opening party on the 30th. You should definitely, definitely go and check it out (info HERE). This is history in the making, folks.
