Hollywood Boulevard's Protected
Bike Lanes Project Announced
The Los Angeles Department of Transportation has revealed the final design for the Access to Hollywood project, which will introduce protected bike lanes to Hollywood Boulevard. Spearheaded by 13th District Council member Hugo Soto-Martinez, the project includes a parking-protected bike lane from Lyman Place to Van Ness Avenue, and a protected bike lane from Van Ness Avenue to Gower Street, potentially connecting with the Hollywood Walk of Fame's upcoming renovations. The reconfiguration aims to reduce speeding and enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists. A second phase will extend the bike lanes to Sunset Boulevard, connecting with existing lanes and requiring reconfiguration of the intersection at Hollywood and Sunset. The initial phase is set for Summer 2024, with the second phase to follow later.
Echelon Studios Replaces
Shuttered Sears in Hollywood
A long-closed Sears department store near the US-101 freeway in Hollywood has been demolished to make way for Echelon Studios, a new studio complex by Bardas Investment Group and Bain Capital Real Estate. Spanning a city block at 5601 W. Santa Monica Boulevard, the project will feature 110,000 square feet of production studios, 388,000 square feet of offices, 12,300 square feet of restaurant space, and parking for 981 vehicles. Designed by Rios, the complex will include contemporary finishes and villa-like forms to integrate with the residential area along Virginia Avenue. Construction is expected to take approximately three years, with an environmental report indicating completion within this timeframe. Bain Capital and Bardas, partners since 2019, plan further studio developments, including a $600-million redevelopment of the Television Center complex in Hollywood.
Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills:
Luxury Condos Now on Sale
Developers Nahla Capital and GPI Companies have launched sales for the Rosewood Residences Beverly Hills, a luxury condominium complex on the former site of the Friars Club at 9900 Santa Monica Boulevard. The $110-million development features a four-story building with 17 condominiums, 12,000 square feet of commercial space, and parking for 148 vehicles. Managed by Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, the residences include two- to five-bedroom units ranging from 3,000 to 7,500 square feet, with prices from $10 million to $45 million for a penthouse. Amenities include housekeeping, personal trainers, spa treatments, and private chefs. Designed by Thomas Juul-Hansen and MVE + Partners, the building will use high-end materials like Greek marble and German limestone. The project, with $50 million in sales to date, will compete with other luxury developments in Beverly Hills, such as the Mandarin Oriental Residences and One Beverly Hills.
Efforts to Revitalize Beverly Hills Community Dog Park
A survey conducted in February and March revealed that only 18% of respondents frequently visit the Beverly Hills Community Dog Park, citing cleanliness and ground-covering issues. In response, the City Council is considering improvements, including adding shade structures and replacing the ground cover with artificial turf. Councilmembers Mary Wells and John Mirisch have instructed Community Services Director Stephanie Harris to finalize costs and explore a test site for new materials. Proposed shade structures, donated by Tina Sinatra, are estimated to cost $400,000. The commission prioritizes ground cover improvement, presenting options like Woof Fiber and K9Grass, costing up to $432,000. The park's declining membership and the need for better publicity were also discussed as factors to increase attendance.
New Mixed-Use Complex Planned for Beverly Grove
David Pourbaba, CEO and founder of 4D Development and Investment, has applied for a permit to build a six-story, mixed-use complex at 8251 West Melrose Avenue in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles. The proposed building will feature 90 residential units, 15% of which will be affordable, along with 16,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and parking for 68 cars. The residential units will include 68 one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom apartments. The project, managed by Dustin Pourbaba, includes a rooftop deck with views of the Hollywood Hills. The development will replace a three-story commercial building currently on the site. 4D Development focuses on ground-up construction and has previously been active in West Adams and Koreatown.
