WEST HOLLYWOOD—A development project designed by Walt Disney Concert Hall architect Frank Gehry was unanimously approved by the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, November 1.
The project is a five-building complex featuring two residential towers with 229 housing units, terraced gardens, a shopping center, and about 60,000 square feet of commercial space. It will be located on 8150 Sunset Blvd. near Crescent Heights and will replace the strip mall that currently includes a mall, restaurants and several shops.
The original plan was faced with apprehension from neighborhood groups who were concerned with a 234-foot-tall tower that would impact the surrounding neighborhood; increasing traffic congestion to an area that is already busy.
The council agreed to plans after developer Townscape Partners made compromises that included reducing its tallest towers down from 234 feet to 178 feet; decreasing by 20 units than originally planned. They would also provide $2 million to the city to help with traffic congestion, which includes the installment of new bus stops. Townscape will also add more affordable housing and parking spaces to meet the council’s recommendations.
One aspect of the project that has yet to be decided on is the state of the Lytton Savings building that is on the site as a Chase Bank. The building was designed in 1960 by architect Kurt Meyer and was nominated for historic-cultural landmark status by the Cultural Heritage Commission.
City Councilman David Ryu, who represents the neighborhood, indicated that he wanted to preserve the building. Councilmembers have delayed a vote on its landmark status.
