Saturday, September 14, 2024 Boulevard Hospitality Group (BHG), founded in 2009 by former film executive Freddy Braidy, has become a key player in California’s hospitality scene. Among its renowned properties is the iconic Yamashiro Hollywood, a cultural monument dating back to the early 1900s, now celebrating 114 years of history. The latest jewel in BHG’s portfolio is the Kodō Hotel and Kodō Restaurant, a Japanese-inspired retreat in Los Angeles’ vibrant Arts District.
Located at 710 Sante Fe Ave., the Kodō property was once a 1920s fire station, adding a rich layer of California history to the space. Its transformation into the Kodō Hotel pays homage to Japanese ideals of change and evolution, blending modern architecture with timeless cultural principles.
“Kodō was a passion project, designed by a team of artistic designers, architects, and Japanese mentors,” revealed Freddy Braidy , “The building was crafted for Los Angeles to further immerse into other cultures, respectfully and with thoughtful consideration.” The name “Kodō,” meaning “heartbeat” in Japanese, reflects the harmonious fusion of cultures found throughout the hotel. Interior designers Jen Whitaker and Emi Kitawaki of Gry Space, alongside architect Matthew Royce, transformed the site into Los Angeles’ first registered “omotenashi” hotel.
Omotenashi, a Japanese concept centered on providing thoughtful hospitality with no expectation of return, is deeply woven into the ethos of this unique space. “This is a concept that is unique to Japan, and as a Los Angeles business owner I have a dual responsibility to the State. I’m entrusted by Los Angeles to develop projects that merge us with the rest of the world,” shared BHG CEO, Freddy Braidy.
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