Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/508104
1947-48: 5757 Wilshire Blvd. constructed for Prudential Insurance Company. I n the heart of L.A.'s Miracle Mile, an area rich with landmarks, there's a new point of interest: SAG-AFTRA Plaza. The building that houses the union's national headquarters and several other businesses, formerly known as Museum Square, has been renamed for the union. The renaming rights were part of the negotiated lease agreement and come at no additional cost to the union or its members, providing a great branding opportunity and giving the union a home until at least 2026. SAG-AFTRA President Ken Howard led an unveiling and ribbon- cutting ceremony April 16, attended by approximately 300 people, SAG-AFTRA Plaza The Union Makes History on the Miracle Mile Meet Me at including national and local board members, SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director David White, SAG Foundation President JoBeth Williams, Los Angeles Councilman Tom LaBonge and Jerome Snyder of Oschin Snyder Partnership, which owns the 5757 Wilshire Blvd. building. "This is a proud moment for SAG-AFTRA members in Los Angeles and around the country," said Howard. "To see SAG-AFTRA Plaza lit up along this beautiful boulevard, in the heart of Los Angeles, is evidence of our tightknit bond with the Wilshire Boulevard community and the Miracle Mile. It is a fitting home for our national headquarters and Los Angeles Local." The ceremony concluded with the revealing of the union's logo on the building, most strikingly on the structure's east and west faces, visible up and down Wilshire Boulevard. "Renaming this building SAG-AFTRA Plaza brings our merger full circle," said White. "Both legacy unions called 5757 Wilshire home since the 1990s. Following our merger in 2012, we considered finding a new location, but after a thorough review, we found no other location better served the union's needs than 5757 Wilshire." But the renaming isn't the only exciting change at 5757 Wilshire. As part of the National Board's approval of the 2016 budget at its meeting in April, the first- floor meeting spaces, including the James Cagney and Frank Maxwell rooms, will be refreshed during the coming year.* The SAG Foundation is using the occasion to mark its 30th anniversary by moving to the 10th floor. It now boasts a larger, renovated classroom to host Casting Access and The Business workshops. The SAG Foundation has also upgraded its L.A. Computer Lab with new equipment and technical staff to teach weekly computer classes on everything from computer basics to building websites to video editing. In addition, both L.A. and New York now include on-camera labs offering free audition recording services and opportunities to practice audition skills. Another change coming is with the AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union, which is changing its name to the SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union and is moving to the first floor. All of these changes are good news for members, who can take care of union business and more at one location. In his remarks, Howard reflected on the changes in the entertainment and media industries, how the union has changed along with them, and how SAG-AFTRA will continue to stay true to its mission of fighting for members no matter how technology evolves. "That's what this moment of dedication is all about — looking to the future with a nod to the glory of the past. We have 1948: 5757 opens as Prudential Square. 26 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org ANGELA WEISS X3 ILLUSTRATION: TONI HANZON/SAG-AFTRA ARCHIVES; PHOTOS: JULIUS SHULMAN/SAG-AFTRA ARCHIVES X3, SAG-AFTRA