In October 2018, Rebel Hospitality acquired Downtown's Continental Building, an early 20th century structure which is considered Los Angeles' first skyscraper.  A filing made last week with the Department of City Planning sheds light on the Chicago-based company's plans for the building.

According to the filing, the 12-story edifice at 4th and Spring Streets could be transformed from its current function into a 140-room hotel featuring a rooftop terrace and various food-and-beverage venues.  Rebel Hospitality has requested a conditional use permit allowing for live entertainment and on-site alcohol sales and consumption.

The Continental Building, originally known as the Braly Block, was completed in 1904 - shortly before Los Angeles imposed a strict 150-foot height limit across the city.  Consequently, the John Parkinson-designed tower reigned as Los Angeles' tallest building for 50 years, save for City Hall, with a roof height of 175 feet.

Developed by local businessman John Hyde Braly, the Continental Building was originally a bank headquarters, according to the L.A. Conservancy.  Left underused after the decline of the Spring Street Financial District in the mid-20th century, the tower was eventually purchased by developer Tom Gilmore, who converted the property into its currently use - 56 loft-style apartments.  Gilmore sold the building to Rebel Hospitality last year.

Should the proposed hotel conversion move forward, it would be the third establishment at the intersection of 4th and Spring Streets.  Just down the street, a 1920s parking structure is slated to reopen next year as a 180-room Cambria Hotel, and across the intersection, a longtime parking lot is slated to be developed with an 11-story, 315-room CitizenM hotel.

The Continental Building also sits across the street from the H.W. Hellman Building, a long-vacant structure which is being restored as 188 apartments.