WEST HOLLYWOOD—The legendary Tower Records building at 8801 Sunset Boulevard will be given a second life as a Gibson Brands showcase room.
The Tower Records Building was originally constructed in 1971, and for decades, it was the center of the Sunset Strip’s dynamic music scene, where influential artists and regular people would shop side-by-side, browsing the latest records to hit the scene. Plastered along the outer walls were giant reproductions of the trendy album covers and bands often kicked off their national tours by performing their fist concert at the iconic location.
The music industry has since changed and in 2006 Tower Records filed for bankruptcy.
Around that time, the first plans were submitted for a retail development called “Centrum Sunset,” which would have required the demolition of the legendary building. Several variations of the project were proposed to the West Hollywood City Council, but none were ever approved—and the building’s impending destruction remained a real possibility.
Intending to sustain the building’s musical legacy, Gibson’s signed a 15-year lease for the property, and is investing nearly $1 million into renovating the building, which will also include a live music room.
Plans for the site are still in the beginning stages, but the as-yet-unnamed store is expected to open in about year.
