When the Pacific Design Center opened in West Hollywood three decades ago, residents didn't quite welcome it with open arms. Locals christened the 750,000-square-foot cobalt blue building "The Blue Whale," and they rarely interacted with it.
Today the Cesar Pelli―designed complex (a green building was added in 1988) has transformed into an interior-furnishings showplace for the public and trade professionals. The PDC warmed up its concrete plaza with a palm-lined promenade, and added a free designer-referral program and buying service that lets the public purchase from showrooms. Stop by this month to celebrate the PDC's accessibility as well as its 30th birthday.
SHOP:
Pacific Design Services. WHAT: Access to PDC's nearly 150 showrooms―most open to the trade only―through a designer-referral and buying service. HOW MUCH: Referral service is free, buying service prices are marked up from wholesale. WHERE: Center Blue, Ste. M-60; 310/360-6418.
Design Bath & Hardware. WHAT: Bathroom fixtures and accessories from one of the few PDC vendors that sell directly to the public. WHERE: Fourth floor of Center Blue; 310/358-9669.
Cooper-Pacific Kitchens. WHAT: A family-owned kitchen design firm. WHERE: Second floor of Center Green; 310/659-6147.
EAT:
Astra West and the Lounge @ Astra. WHAT: Pear carpaccio, sirloin burgers, and other innovative meals in sleek quarters. When: Lunch Mon-Fri. HOW MUCH: $$. WHERE: Astra West is on the third floor of Center Blue; 310/652-3003. Lounge @ Astra is on the first floor of Center Green; 310/360-1553.
Design Café. WHAT: PDC's newest eatery serves salads and panini on outdoor tables overlooking Melrose Avenue. WHEN: Breakfast and lunch Mon-Fri. HOW MUCH: $. WHERE: South side of Melrose Plaza, in front of Center Blue; 310/657-0343.
RELAX:
Pacific Design Plaza. WHAT: The PDC's public spaces encourage visitors to linger, with an illuminated water fountain in a 90-foot pool and a terraced lawn. WHERE: San Vicente Blvd. side of PDC.
Museum of Contemporary Art. WHAT: This MOCA satellite gallery specializes in design. When: Open Tue-Sun. HOW MUCH: Free. WHERE: Pacific Design Plaza, San Vicente Blvd. side of PDC; 213/626-6222.
