New collaborations with Young Communications Group

We’ve had some fun and productive brainstorming sessions recently with this crew at Young Communications Group, Inc. with whom we’ve worked on a number of key public affairs projects for the State of California. Together we filled up four whiteboard pages with wild ideas for how to tell important stories. And bucking the trend of people not wanting to go back to the office, Brenda Thompson Communications is now co-working with YCG at in their fabulous office in Los Angeles’ historic Granada Buildings.

The block-long complex in the Westlake neighborhood was built as live-work spaces in 1927. The Los Angeles Times described the combined shop, studio and apartment structure as something entirely new for LA, resembling the design of European specialty shops.

Early tenants included the Hollywood photographer George Hurrell, who shot celebrated portraits of actors such as Ramon Novarro and Norma Shearer in suite number 9.

The buildings have received many accolades. In 2003, the complex was named the “Best Nonprofit Enclave” by LA Weekly, which noted at the time that: “Creative people are drawn to the Granada because of its fascinating history, charming architecture, old-school elevator and lovely courtyard: a gorgeous garden with flowing fountains along the walkways.”

The complex was designated a Historic Cultural Monument by the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission in April 1981 and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.