Apartments and Retail Break Ground at Hollywood/Western

Work has finally begun on 5550 Hollywood Boulevard, a long-awaited mixed-use complex from developer Sonny Astani.  Designs from Los Angeles-based PSL Architects call for a six-story structure containing 280 apartments and slightly over 12,600 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.  The project will preserve and incorporate Falcon Studios, a two-story brick structure built in the 1920s which once served as a rehearsal studio for performers in Hollywood's golden age.

The $100 million development had previously faced opposition from two clients of attorney Robert Silverstein, both of whom sought to overturn 5550 Hollywood's approvals from the City Planning Commission.  The two appeals, which have since been dropped, argued that the project did not provide proper deference to historic structures such as Falcon Studios and the adjacent Mayer Building.

Astani's new residential-retail complex is the latest in a series of developments planned near the once-ignored Hollywood/Western subway station.  During the past two years, a shopping center and a new senior housing facility have opened up within walking distance of the busy intersection.  Further developments are also planned further west along Hollywood Boulevard, including a boutique hotel and a mixed-use development near the 101 Freeway.

Image: PSL Architects via Curbed LA

Hollywood NIMBYs Set Their Sights on High Line West

Hollywood Boulevard is rapidly evolving along the path of the Metro Red Line, but some neighbors are going into the future kicking and screaming.  Beverly Hills based developer Sonny Astani announced plans in October 2012 for a mixed-use project just across the street from the Hollywood/Western subway station.  High Line West would create 280 residential units, 12,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space, and an elevated public park.  Sounds okay, right?  Not according to a couple of appeals filed with LA's City Planning Commission.  The two appellants, both represented by the notorious Robert Silverstein, argue that the Planning Commission has not adequately considered issues including traffic, height, financial incentives, construction impacts and (of course) earthquake danger.  One appellant also brings up High Line West's treatment of Falcon Studios, a Los Angeles designated Historical-Cultural Monument which is partially preserved under Astani's plans.  The appellant argues that anything short of a full adaptive re-use of Falcon Studios should result in the rejection of the project.  Truthfully, it sounds like the old performing arts school is lucky to receive even partial preservation, considering it was nearly demolished to make way for a mini-mall in 1988.  Former owner Polly August described Falcon Studios "an ugly building in an ugly neighborhood."  A quarter-century later, Ms. August might be surprised to see how things have started to change.  The CPC will discuss the two appeals in a December 19th meeting; the Department of City Planning has recommended that they both be denied.

• Recommendation Report (LA City Planning)
• Apartment and Shopping Complex is Slated for Hollywood Boulevard (Los Angeles Times)
• Time Running Out for Studio Building (Los Angeles Times)