[SunMonTueWedThuFriSa]

I wonder what Garcetti means by 'public space'? Does that mean building setbacks from the street because I think that would kill Hollywood Blvd's vibe. I do like his concern for aesthetics though. The rendering of this project so far is pretty boring and it's not good news that Clarett is satisfied with it.

[MapGoulet]

I wonder what Garcetti means by 'public space'? Does that mean building setbacks from the street because I think that would kill Hollywood Blvd's vibe. I do like his concern for aesthetics though. The rendering of this project so far is pretty boring and it's not good news that Clarett is satisfied with it.

I doubt Garcetti is referring to "technical" open space elements like setbacks. However, more sidewalk space in anticipation of more (or to accomodate existing) pedestrian activity would be welcome, in my opinion. As a Councilmember, Garcetti is primarily concerned about his constituency, and any public statements he makes would be crafted with the language that his constituents would understand and agree to. Therefore, when he says "open space", I think he means it. To not make good on what his district expects of open space would hurt his credibility.

Plus, Eric is about the Greenest politician in LA. He is very active with affordable housing and green building, probably more than any other elected official.

[Vangelist]

I am v glad he is concerned about aesthetics. We do deserve better around here

[MapGoulet]

I am v glad he is concerned about aesthetics. We do deserve better around here

I agree. Vine Street is, in my opinion, the butt ugliest street around, even with all the creative signage. That's what makes it all the more stunning when you drive into Hancock Park and it becomes Rossmore. Rossmore reminds me of a street in Washington D.C.

[DJM19]

Is there a rendering of this project?

[citywatch]

We do deserve better around hereI certainly think so.

And mapgoulet comparing the difference between Vine St and what it segues into, Rossmore, says a lot about what is wrong with the city & what needs to be done to turn it around. IOW, imagine what LA would be like today if a lot more of it was like Rossmore around Hancock Pk instead of "butt ugliest" places like Vine St in Hollywood.

I think ppl like Mayor Villairagosa talking about how we have to start making a bigger deal of "architecture", while using a word that sounds too specific or complicated, are moving in the right direction.

[luckyeight]

Was at tonight's reception. The showroom and model looked fantastic.
Very high end.......probably the best I've seen so far on all of the new development that's happening here outside of Evo, Dogtown lofts
and Eastern Columbia.

Anticipated pricing from what I'm told range between 700K to 6 Million
for 3,000 s.f. penthouse unit.

The crowd are very hollywood celebrity type.....even the sales
girls are out of the fashion magazines.


:banana: :banana: :banana:

[cookiejarvis]

"I am hoping that we can bring the councilman around this — we want to work with him — but we think that we have an aesthetically pleasing project," said Ben Reznik, the prominent land-use attorney hired by the developer.


Ugh. Ben Reznik is the go-to man for Los Angeles area property owners when they want to tear down historic structures, especially when there's a significant public outcry. I first saw his name show up in L.A. Times articles leading up to the demolition of the McKinley Building @ Wilshire & Western.

[bjornson]

I will have to add Beverly Boulevard to the list of ugliest streets of all time. It gets pretty at some point near the golf clubs and nice homes, but those are a few blocks scattered everywhere. Even around the Beverly Center, it's still ugly.

[citywatch]

^ I remember being on Beverly Blvd west of Fairfax a few yrs ago & thinking, oh, damn, this will not do. As for the general vicinity closer to the Beverly Ctr itself:

http://you-are-here.com/modern/beverly_center.jpg

[bjornson]

Wow, you made it worse than how I saw it ha! Even with that nice hotel (Sofitel), it doesn't do anything for the street. East of Fairfax is just as bad.

[Westsidelife]

We should reduce the number of gas stations in Los Angeles City. Though it's not a downtown with skyscrapers, it's still part of The City and should be a dense, urban, and pedestrian friendly place.

[Westsidelife]

BTW, where's the nearest metro stop?

[citywatch]

East of Fairfax is just as bad.
If I'm not mistaken, Beverly Blvd east of Fairfax actually becomes more presentable. That's the part of Beverly that goes by the entrance to CBS Television City and the Pan Pacific Pk, & where many of the front facing sides of stores & businesses finally are more professionally done. Moreover, if a person were to reach up several dozen ft, he wouldn't become electrocuted.

[Westsidelife]

^ I remember being on Beverly Blvd west of Fairfax a few yrs ago & thinking, oh, damn, this will not do. As for the general vicinity closer to the Beverly Ctr itself:

http://you-are-here.com/modern/beverly_center.jpg

We need to ban that type of un-ped friendly development. All projects should have adequate ground-floor retail space with NO setbacks. Basically, think London and Paris.

[bjornson]

BTW, where's the nearest metro stop?

If you're talking red line, it's on vermont/beverly which is FAR FAR FAR FAR FAR away. I was going to walk from the stop all the way there, but it was TOO far. The bus, however, is just at that intersection.

Oh an you're right. The Beverly Center tries it's best to have ground floor retail, but then it just goes all wrong. I'm tired of malls.

Oh and they should be banned! There's a horrible gas station near Hollywood and Vine.

If I'm not mistaken, Beverly Blvd east of Fairfax actually becomes more presentable. That's the part of Beverly that goes by the entrance to CBS Television City and the Pan Pacific Pk, & where many of the front facing sides of stores & businesses finally are more professionally done. Moreover, if a person were to reach up several dozen ft, he wouldn't become electrocuted.

It's just certain spots that are particularly presentable. It's the immediate east where the CBS Television City and the retail near La Brea and La Cienaga that's pleasing, but other than that, it's UGLY. I walked a good bit of it and it's not pleasing at all.

[RAlossi]

I go to school on Beverly near where it becomes 1st/2nd... (The Original Tommy's half a block away!) You can tell that it used to be a nice little neighborhood, but it's so bad now. Even basic maintenance services are neglected. The street trees have lifted the sidewalks in some places THREE FEET OFF THE GROUND! The city's response? That black asphalt crap. It's got a decent pedestrian flow near Alvarado, and there are new schools being built, so it has potential.

I'm seeing a lot more of some very historic Craftsman-style bungalows being covered in stucco and brass -- very tacky, and IMO it should be banned!

[Codex Borgia]

:tup: ^ I couldn't agree more RALOSSI, the City has neglected various areas of the City for too long, and IMO many areas of the City need need to have strict design review commitees that require owners of architecurally significant homes and buildings to restore or improve the aesthetics, rather than destroy or "cheapen". I grew up in Montecito Heights and saw far too many craftsman homes and bungalows ruined by god awful stucco.

[cookiejarvis]

Ha! I just had a stucco salesman show up at my house the other day to give me an estimate on two smallish patch jobs on some exterior walls. He opened up his job portfolio book and showed us a picture sequence of a beautiful 1909 Craftsman in Pomona that his company "remodeled" because the family that lived there wanted a "modern" house. They ripped out the perfectly good siding (probably redwood) and removed every double hung window and replaced it with those tacky home depot windows. We told him that we thought the remodel was ugly and to close his book immediately. We let him continue with his agressive spiel a little bit more (his bid was waaaaay too high anyway) and then politely showed him the door.

[cookiejarvis]

*edit*

double post

[deehrler]

Martin Schall, from an oil derrick somewhere on the North Sea, emailed me a link to a great 10 minute video called "Hollywood Screams".

Has anyone seen it?

http://www.myhollywoodstar.com/

[Caliguy2006]

A really nice project for Hollywood :tup:

http://www.fairfield-properties.com/weblink/weblinks/forms/wbl_Property_Home.asp?scode=1237

[RAlossi]

Those are in North Hollywood, which is technically a part of the Valley and not really associated with Hollywood in any way; that is excepting, of course, that most LA actors move to NoHo before they get a lot of work :)

That project is kind of goofy-looking to me. It looks like something out of Downtown BFE, if you know what I mean. I took some photos a while back of the NoHo site and posted them here:
http://www.angelenic.com/2006/08/06/nohole-little-tokyo-arts-district-development-photo-tour/#more-47

In any event, I think that NoHo has a lot going for it in the near future. The area around Magnolia is severely lacking in routine maintenance issues like street and sidewalk repair, but if the city does some of that, I can see NoHo becoming a really nice working-class district. The area around Magnolia and Cahuenga gets really seedy, but a block or two east of that (near Porto's Burbank) it becomes really nice. Just a little more public and private investment is all it'll take. Seriously.

[yakumoto]

Obviously the demand for office buildings hasn't completely gone...

5800 W. Sunset Boulevard

A four-phase project which involves the retention of 198,655 square feet of existing uses and development of up to a maximum of 685,613 square feet of new studio related and commercial office uses, with an additional 88,427 square feet of new studio related and commercial office uses permitted pursuant to Council File 93-1644, resulting in a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.2:1, with the tallest office buildings to be not more than 16 and 20 stories in height, and subterranean parking for 2,528 automobiles on a 10.15 acre site.

[cookiejarvis]

^That's the KTLA/Tribune Broadcasting property.

I think there's also plans to redevelop the scroungy 10+ story "Metropolitan Hotel" across the street.

[yakumoto]

I think there's also plans to redevelop the scroungy 10+ story "Metropolitan Hotel" across the street.

Condos and creative offices, the planning department would have you believe.

[colemonkee]

They've already started gutting the Metropolitan. Drove by it on Sunday.

[deehrler]

Here are a few of the more interesting Hollywood area City Planning hearings:

10/26/06 Central Hollywood 1606 N CAHUENGA BLVD 90028 CONDITIONAL USE BEVERAGES FULL LINE OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

10/23/06 HOLLYWOOD 4020 W MARATHON ST 90029 CONDO CONVERSIONS FOR 49 UNITS WITH 99 PARKING SPACES.

11/21/06 Griffith Park TT-66948 1809 N NEW HAMPSHIRE AVE 90027 34-UNIT RESIDENTAL CONDOMINIUM

11/16/06 Central Hollywood ZA-2006-9611-ZV 1602 N IVAR AVE 90028 CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR LEVELS 104-UNIT AFFORDABLE SENIOR HOUSING OVER ONE LEVEL CONCRETE PARKING.

11/17/06 Central Hollywood VTT-67577 6677 W SANTA MONICA BLVD 90038 MIXED USE COMMERCIAL AND 787 RESIDENTIAL CONDO'S

11/16/06 Central Hollywood ZA-2006-9619-CUB-CUX 6600 W SUNSET BLVD 90028 CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING 2-STORY BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW 22,439 SQ FT STRUCTURE TO CREATE A NEW 6-STORY HOTEL WITH RESTAURANT AND ROOFTOP POOL DECK.

[citywatch]

Plinko's photo thread (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=2457111&postcount=1) of LA shows at least one minor improvement to Hollywood Blvd. The crummy little bldg between the El Capitan theater & the TV Guide bldg now has a billboard ("meet the world, one person at a time") covering up its upper floors. Until now, the interior sides of the windows of that bldg were covered in plywood, making the whole place look like it was half abandoned.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v202/plinko923/Hollywood/061021LA142.jpg?t=1163710264

[Westsidelife]

But the retail underneath is very cheap and doesn't mirror the caliber of the shops across the street!

[cookiejarvis]

Well maybe Jimmy Kimmel will take advantage of the neighboring retail effluvia and make famous his own "Sirajul and Mujibur."

[cookiejarvis]

Condos and creative offices, the planning department would have you believe.

Apparently this hotel was the notorious stomping grounds for late night activities of the West Coast rap scene-- Suge Knight, et al. If only the walls could talk. :twoguns:

[DJM19]

Still has that off billboard on top. Get rid of it or move it to street-wall level. It looks odd back there.

[SunMonTueWedThuFriSa]

I wish they would demoilsh that building. I'm sure any developer would LOVE to have that location.

[BrighamYen]

Apparently this hotel was the notorious stomping grounds for late night activities of the West Coast rap scene-- Suge Knight, et al. If only the walls could talk. :twoguns:


I just saw him at the Standard on Sunset on Sunday night! :P

[deehrler]

12/04/06 Hollywood Studio District 6001 W CARLTON WAY 90028 42 NEW CONDOS

12/05/06 Central Hollywood 6608 W HOLLYWOOD BLVD 90028 30,047 SF RESTAURANT AND EVENT CENTER SEATING 1256 WITH FULL LINE ALCOHOL AND DANCING

11/28/06 Central Hollywood 6677 W SANTA MONICA BLVD 90038 CONSTRUCT 687 CONDOS WITH 21000 SF COMMERCIAL.

see also: LA Downtown and Los Angeles Metropolitan in the City Compilations forums area.

[WesTheAngelino]

But the retail underneath is very cheap and doesn't mirror the caliber of the shops across the street!

Hey I'm all for good retail on Hollywood Blvd., but can't there be a retail mix? Does EVERYTHING have to be like the wealthiest areas of the West Side? Every day I see the West Side creeping further east......my prediction: Boyle Hieghts will become the new epicenter of L.A. hipster culture the way Silverlake and Echo Park are now.

[Wright Concept]

Part of it is all about perception.

When folks from other cities think Hollywood they are fed images of glamour and opulance. When the reality doesn't mirror the fantasy, something's got to give.

[RAlossi]

11/28/06 Central Hollywood 6677 W SANTA MONICA BLVD 90038 CONSTRUCT 687 CONDOS WITH 21000 SF COMMERCIAL..

LOL... isn't that The Arena? Where oh where will Tigerheat move to? =)

[SD_Phil]

^That would be a shame. Gay or straight that place is great fun!

[BrighamYen]

^ I hope tigerheat moves either to Downtown LA or to Weho. They should get rid of the car wash by Trunks on SM Blvd. and build a brand new dance club venue. I think the energy of Weho could continue down SM Blvd. if that car wash wasn't there. It really destroys the pedestrian flow.

Besides that, I'm curious what they plan on doing there. Are they actually going to demolish the Arena and Circus clubs? HMMM>

[WesTheAngelino]

^ Do you see downtown one day soon having a large gay population? Doesn't already at least percentagewise? Or am I just getting that impression from the people who post on this board ~_^ My hunch is there are enough family members in downtown (not to mention USC) who could support a gay bar. However, I hope it would be more along the line of Akbar or other Silverlake gay bars instead of the twinky, metro vibe of WeHo. Those bars are far more appealing to straight guys who crave women but sometimes like to dabble....not that I'm referring to myself or anything.

[BrighamYen]

^ Yes, I do see a gay life developing in downtown sometime in the future. I don't think it'll eclipse Weho anytime soon, but it might provide some healthy competition to Silver Lake. All we need downtown would be like 3 lounges and a couple clubs catering to "us" and I'd be happy! :)

But then again, I love Weho so I don't have a problem venturing to other parts of LA to party sometimes as well. Downtown LA is still far, far away from having the kind of night life that gives it true urban energy like Hollywood.

[WesTheAngelino]

^ This is why we can never be friends.....fuckbuddies maybe...but you like WeHo BARF. I can't stand either the gay scene or the straight scene there. Only places I can stomach in WeHo are the Roxy, Pleasure Chest, the Griddle, Sunset Laemmle, Pink Dot, A Different Light Bookstore, and Red Rocks (only in the afternoons though).

Hopefully Hollywierd will never be the same type of place WeHo is, the kind of place Los Angeles is reviled for. Seriously, nothing epitomizes the shallow, cultureless, celebrity/image/looks obsessed view that snobbish outsiders have of L.A. quite like the Strip and Boys town.

[JRinSoCal]

^Damn I really hope they don't demolish Club Circus. That's one of my favorite dance clubs in LA. The first time I went there I met BT and actually had chatted with him for about 15 minutes. Very cool guy. Got pics taken with Ferry Corsten and Christopher Lawrence there too. I was there when Ferry recorded an album there.

[Damien]

11/28/06 Central Hollywood 6677 W SANTA MONICA BLVD 90038 CONSTRUCT 687 CONDOS WITH 21000 SF COMMERCIAL.

Renderings?

[LA420]

:no: No way will they demolish Arena and Circus!!!! Trust me Gene has made so much money in both clubs he has expanded Circus. Those two clubs are very popular and it generates alot alot alot of money. He would be committing suicide:dead: if he were to sell the land for apartment developments. Tiger heat or the other name is still Genes he just moved it to a new location on Las Palmas one block up.

[LA420]

^ This is why we can never be friends.....fuckbuddies maybe...but you like WeHo BARF. I can't stand either the gay scene or the straight scene there. Only places I can stomach in WeHo are the Roxy, Pleasure Chest, the Griddle, Sunset Laemmle, Pink Dot, A Different Light Bookstore, and Red Rocks (only in the afternoons though).

Hopefully Hollywierd will never be the same type of place WeHo is, the kind of place Los Angeles is reviled for. Seriously, nothing epitomizes the shallow, cultureless, celebrity/image/looks obsessed view that snobbish outsiders have of L.A. quite like the Strip and Boys town.


:yes: I agree! no need for another weho. Weho is weho and hollywood is hollywood period! no need to have Ken dolls running all over hollywood like in Weho. LOL

[BrighamYen]

^ This is why we can never be friends.....fuckbuddies maybe...but you like WeHo BARF. I can't stand either the gay scene or the straight scene there. Only places I can stomach in WeHo are the Roxy, Pleasure Chest, the Griddle, Sunset Laemmle, Pink Dot, A Different Light Bookstore, and Red Rocks (only in the afternoons though).

Hopefully Hollywierd will never be the same type of place WeHo is, the kind of place Los Angeles is reviled for. Seriously, nothing epitomizes the shallow, cultureless, celebrity/image/looks obsessed view that snobbish outsiders have of L.A. quite like the Strip and Boys town.

:haha: are you hot or not?

[ksep]

arena is located at 6655 santa monica blvd. NOT 6677.

[RAlossi]

Just give me a damn gay bar (or gay-friendly bar) in DTLA and I'll be set. Fiesta Cantina + Broadway = love.

Anyway, I wonder what people buying new condos next to the ARENA will think about the deluge of kids and music all night long? =)

[WesTheAngelino]

This is getting WAY off topic, but I dream of one day haivng a regular Rocky Horror Picture Show troupe downtown, perhaps convincing Sins o the Felsh from Santa Monica or the one from the Valley to once a month to another Rocky shadow cast in one of the old downtown threatres.

[WesTheAngelino]

Just give me a damn gay bar (or gay-friendly bar) in DTLA and I'll be set. Fiesta Cantina + Broadway = love.

Anyway, I wonder what people buying new condos next to the ARENA will think about the deluge of kids and music all night long? =)

What do you mean by "gay friendly"? I'm sure you could probly pick some lucky dude up in the Golden Gopher or Broadway Bar on a given night.

I would hope that downtown would be the great mixer of L.A. Already I see a number of black peope hanging out at B'Way bar and the Reserve. So rock on with the diversity.

[ThreeHundred]

arena is located at 6655 santa monica blvd. NOT 6677.

Arena..lord..that place is 145 degrees inside and the Pussycat Doll's rule the world. I heard 'Don't Cha', and 'Buttons' and all of their remixes more than I would like.

[KarLarRec1]

It was probably Pussycat Dolls night. lol

[ThreeHundred]

Nope..just a regular Tuesday.

=\

[BrighamYen]

^^ Sunday nights at the Abbey becomes almost predominantly black, and mixed in with pretty much everything else you can come up with (white, hispanic, asian, asian americans, middle eastern).

[BrighamYen]

arena is located at 6655 santa monica blvd. NOT 6677.


It's the 7-Eleven mini-strip mall across the street! That place is hella nasty and having a massive mixed-use project that's pedestrian friendly and catered to club goers at night would be ideal. :P


ALSO, I heard a rumor in Weho that it is in the process of approving a large mixed-use project at the NW corner of Santa Monica Blvd./Robertson! That's where the Pavilions supermarket is today. Supposedly, the entire market, surface parking lot, and one-story shacks by Robertson will be developed. I am VERY excited about the possibility of adding more restaurants catering to after-clubbers. :notacrook:

[BrighamYen]

EMI Music Expands in Hollywood at CIM Group's 1800 Highland Office Building




HOLLYWOOD-(Business Wire)-December 19, 2006 - EMI Music North America is expanding operations in Hollywood, signing a 10-year lease for 50,000 square feet with CIM Group at 1800 Highland. CIM Group recently renovated the 1800 Highland office building located across the street from the company's Hollywood & Highland Center. EMI Music North America will relocate approximately 200 employees for occupancy on four floors.

"Several of EMI's divisions have been scattered in a variety of Los Angeles and Hollywood locations, and they have grown beyond the capacity of space it had on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles and at its iconic cylindrical Capitol Tower and adjacent Gogerty buildings located at Hollywood and Vine. With this move, EMI is firmly establishing its commitment to remaining a part of the Hollywood business community by consolidating its operations at this Hollywood location," said Shaul Kuba, principal and founder, CIM Group. "The commitment of this global entertainment corporation to Hollywood, and our quick leasing of this building, is further evidence of the demand for quality office space in this world famous area of Los Angeles."

CIM Group purchased 1800 Highland in 2005 after identifying the severe shortage of modern office space in the area. The seven-story, 87,000-square-foot building had deteriorated, yet it offered a great location on Highland Avenue just steps from the new shopping and dining amenities on Hollywood Boulevard. The company undertook a complete renovation and repositioning of the building earlier this year that stripped the building bare. 1800 Highland is now fitted with a contemporary glass facade allowing abundant natural light, a sleek lobby and common areas and rich stone and wood finishes on a par with any Class A office facility.

"We're very pleased to learn that Hollywood as a business address is more popular than ever with the announcement that EMI Music Marketing is expanding their operations in Los Angeles," said Councilmember Tom LaBonge. "With new office space such as the refurbished 1800 N. Highland building, shopping, clubs, theaters, new mixed-use residential and proximity to the MTA Red Line, Hollywood is the place to be."

"The redevelopment of 1800 Highland highlights that Hollywood is a business-friendly environment. When companies expressed interest in doing business here the community, the Council office and the Community Redevelopment agency pulled together and supported our efforts to recreate this building. It's a further example of the continued support for the revitalization of this vibrant community," noted Kuba.

EMI will move several units currently located at 5750 Wilshire, including its EMI Music Marketing strategic marketing and special markets teams and the west coast office for its Virgin Records label to 1800 Highland. In addition, it will relocate its current EMI Music Marketing sales and catalog marketing team, currently located in the Gogerty building at Hollywood and Vine, to the 1800 Highland location. Additional regional staff for EMI Televisa, EMI Music Marketing and Caroline distribution will relocate to the Gogerty building. EMI is expected to complete these moves in the Spring of 2007.

"The building's generous floors and high ceilings provide companies with large inviting space and flexible design options that are important to supporting efficient operations," added Kuba. "CIM is pursuing additional opportunities to develop office space in Hollywood. With public transportation, a walkable urban environment, new condominiums and apartments, and extensive amenities, Hollywood is an increasingly desirable office market."

EMI was represented by Mark Sullivan and Josh Gorin of Studley. CIM Group was represented by the Ramsey Shilling team of Frank Buckley, John Tronson and Chris Bonbright.

CIM Group has identified Hollywood as a premier urban district for investment and development. In line with its long-term view of a flourishing Hollywood community, the company has built a portfolio comprised of a variety of properties. They include housing, office, entertainment and a diverse mix of restaurants and retailers to support revitalization of the area as a vibrant urban center serving residents, visitors and businesses. The company made its first investment in Hollywood in 1998 with the acquisition of the office building now known as the TV Guide Hollywood Center, which also is the company's headquarters. Today, the CIM Group owns 10 properties throughout the area and is one of the largest property owners in Hollywood.

About CIM Group

CIM Group is an integrated, full service real estate investor with in-house acquisition, development, finance, leasing, and management capabilities. CIM Group directs its efforts towards districts of high population density, including the downtown areas within large cities, smaller "main street" districts within towns and suburban cities, and other locations which lie within the metropolitan areas of the country. Since its inception in 1994, CIM Group has been a leading force in the creation of great streets in the cities of Santa Monica, San Diego, Pasadena, Brea and Hollywood.

[JRinSoCal]

^Is that the building with the spire on top?

[cookiejarvis]

I don't think so. Just did a Google map of the site, and it looks like the office building that they're renovating a block north of HoHi, at Highland and Franklin Place.

[LAMetroGuy]

Its this one:

1800 N Highland Avenue, Hollywood, CA

In 2004, CIM acquired 1800 Highland, an 86,000 square foot, Class-C office building on the Northheast corner of Franklin Place and Highland Avenue in the heart of downtown Hollywood. With an optimal location steps from the retail, restaurants and entertainment of Hollywood Boulevard, the seven-story building represents an ideal opportunity for companies to establish an urban presence in the epicenter of a newly revitalized Hollywood Entertainment District. Equally exciting is the design of the building itself: constructed of steel and concrete in 1964, it constitutes an iconic modern architecture. CIM has enlisted HLW International Architecture to preserve this atmosphere as they re-conceive the building and reintroduce it to the market as premium Class-A office space.
Property Highlights

Steps from the Hollywood & Highland Center
160 parking spaces in a 4 level subterranean parking structure spanning 12,500 sf
Easy access to public transit via Metro Red Line

http://www.cimgroup.com/imgs/props/1800_N_Highland_Avenue_lg2.jpg http://www.cimgroup.com/imgs/props/1800_N_Highland_Avenue_lg1.jpg

[cookiejarvis]

Definitely a big improvement. Let's hope the remaining scummy buildings along that stretch of Highland meet the bulldozer soon.

[Tanster]

that building is complete I think
wow love it

[BrighamYen]

^ It's complete??

[colemonkee]

If it's not complete it's very close. I drove by it last weekend and it looked almost wrapped up. The renderings make it look waaaaay better than it looks in real life.

[LA/OC/London]

I drove by this building over the weekend and I agree that it doesn't really compare well to the rendering, but it is an improvement and office space is
needed in Hollywood

[dktshb]

Here are a few updated photos. I should have been more prepared because I realize I don't know some of the names of the projects or the exact locations. Hope you forgive... here they are:


Gay Retirement Housing on Ivar one block south of Hollywood Blvd:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006004.jpg

CIM Group condo conversion Sunset and Vine:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006005.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006006-2.jpg

Condo Project on Vine just north of Hollywood Blvd. next to the Avalon:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006018.jpg

The Hollywood, one block north of Hollywood Blvd. and one block east of Highland:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006015-1.jpg

The old Galaxy on Hollywood one block east of La Brea which houses Knitting Factory, Longs Drug, DSW and LA Fitness. Although these establishments are up and running the redevelopment is still a work in progress and will include a restaurant in the old museum below and a new sign for LA Fitness already open:
Before:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/April22006008.jpg

Now:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006012-1.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006021.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006011-1.jpg

The Madrone on La Brea and Hawthorne:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006001.jpg

[LosAngelesSportsFan]

very cool! thanks. the Galaxy was a dump, it looks, much better now.

[Westsidelife]

Is the W Hotel at Hollywood and Vine under construction yet?

[JRinSoCal]

Wow, a Hollywood update!!! Very cool indeed! Thanks

[cookiejarvis]

The Galaxy stands as a testament to the mid-1980s attempts of the CRA and then-councilman Michael Woo to jump start the revitalization of Hollywood Blvd. While well-intentioned in its purpose, it was a failure in design and execution. Let's hope the exterior rehab and new tenants help out.

[colemonkee]

Great update! I really hope CIM does well with it's Sunset and Vine project (which I think will do well, given the location and the views). If they're at all successful there, we have a much better chance of getting iHope and Park Tower downtown.

[bjornson]

Fantastic!

[edluva]

boy is there some shitty architecture in hollywood! terrific update nonetheless :tup: can't wait to see how madrone looks.

[fridayinla]

The Hollywood Galaxy complex is so much nicer now. I go to the LA Fitness there and Longs & DSW always seem busy. I've been wondering what they're planning for that hole in the floor - a restaurant sounds awesome! I've noticed the retail space in the old building across the street is being renovated also. Hopefully some of those tacky souvenier shops will be replaced.

[bjornson]

boy is there some shitty architecture in hollywood! terrific update nonetheless :tup: can't wait to see how madrone looks.

Ed, I loooooooooooove that stucco on the gay retirement home. It's so fascinating. Ha.

Oh, Friday, what's happening with the "neo-renaissance" building adjacent to the Galaxy? It annoys me every time I look at it.

[citywatch]

The CIM tower is undergoing a much more extensive renovation than I thought would occur, at least based on the pic of its entire facade being stripped off.

My question is whether work has finally begun on the Hollywood & Vine proj, what's the status of the Whole Foods/apt proj directly south of it, & when will construction start on the Madame Tussand bldg next to Grauman's, referring to the filling in of a major gap along the blvd?

[edluva]

Ed, I loooooooooooove that stucco on the gay retirement home. It's so fascinating. Ha.

the spaceship-themed home for gays is okay even with the stucco. It's that damned sunset and vine highrise I don't get. What's with the exterior? It looks like f*cking scaffolding wrapped in shredded plastic. At least the home for gays resembles what the architect intended.

[BrighamYen]

very cool! thanks. the Galaxy was a dump, it looks, much better now.

Give me more color in the project! I would polish up the original 80s ornaments (like the globe) and include them in the project. Put more tasteful neon in in my opinion. It is Hollywood afterall. :cool:

[BrighamYen]

Ed, I loooooooooooove that stucco on the gay retirement home. It's so fascinating. Ha.

Oh, Friday, what's happening with the "neo-renaissance" building adjacent to the Galaxy? It annoys me every time I look at it.

If you're referring to the low-rise directly to the east of the Galaxy (with all the souvenir shops on the ground floor), I believe that is still owned by CIM. If I remember correctly, they initially wanted to build another 10+ story building above the exisiting structure. Hopefully within the next few years, esp. with the Madame Tussauds coming into town next door to it, they'll plan something large and entertainment-oriented. Something flashy and modern! :tup:

[BrighamYen]

I guess this is where I'm living in about 10 years... :sly:


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006004.jpg

[cookiejarvis]

I think that CIM building is also where the legendary CC Browns dessert cafe used to be. The cavernous 2nd floor was the former site of the Motorama automobile museum up until the late 1970s. The building has an unusual 1930s deco-industrial twist to it, so I hope the CIM group can preserve those features whenever they plan to rehab the site.

...And L.A. Beauty, when you turn 40, you also have to start dressing like Quentin Crisp.

[fridayinla]

Oh, Friday, what's happening with the "neo-renaissance" building adjacent to the Galaxy? It annoys me every time I look at it.

According to CIM's website the building at 7046 Hollywood Blvd (Hollywood & Sycamore) is being converted into "a first-class, 42-unit apartment complex atop a foundation of 6,400 square feet of retail".

http://www.cimgroup.com/imgs/props/7046_Hollywood_Boulevard_lg4.jpg

This one?

[bjornson]

Yep, LAB, you're right! It's this one:

http://www.cimgroup.com/imgs/props/7001_Hollywood_Boulevard_lg1.jpg

7001 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA

In 1999, CIM acquired this 64,800 square foot neo-Renaissance building at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Drive along with an adjacent parcel to the East of the Hollywood Galaxy building. Situated in the epicenter of the community's revitalization, the property is steps from historic destinations like the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and contemporary commerce at the Hollywood + Highland complex.

I'm hoping something is going to be done with it like LAB said. It bugs the hell out of me. More entertainment and flashiness. That, and the parking lot next to Grauman's (slated for Madame Tussauds). Then, theres the big ugly space between Hollywood & Vine and Hollywood & Highland.

Re: Ed - Here's what the Sunset+Vine Tower is supposed to look like.

http://www.cimgroup.com/imgs/props/Sunset_&_Vine_Tower_lg3.jpg

6290 Sunset Blvd. and 1640 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA

In 2003, CIM acquired the Sunset & Vine Tower, a 20-story, 85,000 square foot structure composed of steel and glass located at the famed intersection of its namesake. CIM is currently converting the tower into 59 luxury apartment units and 7,000 square feet of retail space.

As a highly visible landmark, Sunset & Vine epitomizes the communitywide effort to restore the luster of Old Hollywood to the vicinity, and update it as a contemporary, thriving commercial and residential enclave for the 21st century. Centrally located, the property stimulates local economy and fosters urban living, with destinations such as health clubs, coffee shops and clothing stores within short walking distance.


Hopefully this will spur more high rise development in Hollywood.

[LAMetroGuy]

I posted this on the first page of this thread a long time ago:

Peterson Building

7001 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA

http://www.cimgroup.com/cities/assets/images/pg_hollywood_pertersen_001.jpg

The Petersen building is a two-story historic commercial building located at the northwest corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Orange Avenue. It is owned by the CIM Group. The property owner proposes to add nine floors to the building and create an eleven-story hotel with 300 rooms. Agency staff has reviewed the design concept but the project description has not been finalized. Agency staff will assist CIM in the environmental analysis process, obtaining entitlements and identifying parking. Total projected expenditures in the next five years are $100,000 including Agency labor costs.

[cookiejarvis]

^Good find LAMG, that's the one I was thinking of. Currently, the second floor is used for parking.

[WesTheAngelino]

I guess this is where I'm living in about 10 years... :sly:


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006004.jpg

Hahah, you realize that's one block from the Hollywood Spa roight? Wonder if that had anything to do with choosing the location lol. Dammit, now there will be more old trolls there than ever! Uh....not that I've ever been there or anything.

[ThreeHundred]

I think that CIM building is also where the legendary CC Browns dessert cafe used to be. The cavernous 2nd floor was the former site of the Motorama automobile museum up until the late 1970s. The building has an unusual 1930s deco-industrial twist to it, so I hope the CIM group can preserve those features whenever they plan to rehab the site.

...And L.A. Beauty, when you turn 40, you also have to start dressing like Quentin Crisp.

The Sunset and Vine tower was also the focal point in the movie 'Earthquake.' Odd seeing as how I always thought it took place in the AON Center downtown. Ahh well.

[dktshb]

1800 Highland and The Hollywood:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006013.jpg


:yuck: On Hollywood Blvd just west of La Brea... it is infill though on what was once a small vacant lot. They're either 2 story townhomes or lofts all with rooftop patios which I suppose is nice:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006010-2.jpg

another condo development with no signage on Franklin between La Brea and Fuller:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a28/dktshb/2006008-2.jpg

[dktshb]

boy is there some shitty architecture in hollywood! terrific update nonetheless :tup: can't wait to see how madrone looks. I've been put off by just about every new development in Hollywood over the last 5 years.

[Vangelist]

i think that gay retirement building is perhaps one of the ugliest structures i've ever seen. as my architecture-student friend said upon seeing the rendering," i love how everyone just acknowledges a corner by putting some cylinder there." And kudos to Wes for noticing how it's one block from that gay spa..that _cannot_ be accidental. It's the master incentive developers will use to get them gheys to move in! I bet a lifetime membership to the Hollywood Spa will be included in the utilities. And hey, if you can't send them off to the moon, stuffing them in a pseudo-spaceship is the next best hing, right?

That Galaxy turning into a pharmacy is also sad. It's not "done," or "developed" into anything, it just seems like they stuck a pharmacy in that abandoned part of the mini-mall, and turned the lights on. As I've said before on this thread, much to people llike Damien's disagreement or whatnot, that I believe stuffing ordinary retail on Hollywood Blvd looks very tiresome and mundane. Right across from the El Capitan...you have this. How would this ever become a grand boulevard to compare with Champs Elysee or even Times Square - honestly the only place in all of Los Angeles that has the pedestrian potential - if, instead of grand landmarks, you keep erecting the most hideous and mundane misfires? Such a hodge-poidge.

As Practical Visionary said on a recent thread, in New York you know you are some place special since there is a statue, fountain, landmark or architectural gem on many-a-corner. Okay, so we don't have the history here...oh but wait, it's Hollywood, and in many of these buildings we DO. Yet no one is focusing on recaptuirng that glory again, and even the Roosevelt remodeling seems blighted by the advertisements they've licensed on their western facade. Hey this isn't supposed to be a continuation of the Sunset Strip - but it often feels like that now (esp where I live, 3 blocks east of H&H).

And even if you have to put a gym and a pharmacy smack dab right next to our most famous landmark (Chinese Theatre), do you need to do so in such an explicitly "pedestrian" way (other use of the word), on such a shamelessly transparent level? I mean there's a more discreet way to house such retail. Instead of renovating and polishing up the Vogue, Vine and Ritz theatres, and turning the street back into the chic galleries, boutiques and movie palaces it was known for in the 1920s, developers these days seem to be following the "let's just put this HERE!" script. It doesn't seem planned, and lacks any method in regards to aesthetics or beautification. Function over form EVERY fucking time.

The only develoopment in my neighborhood I approve of as of yet are the Hollywood & Vine lofts, which miraculouasly appear to have preserved their traditional "feel," of the Broadway building -> the stone exterior, the corner motifs - everything looks right. Oh, and the opening of Tiny K.O's. :)

[LAMetroGuy]

And kudos to Wes for noticing how it's one block from that gay spa..that _cannot_ be accidental. It's the master incentive developers will use to get them gheys to move in! I bet a lifetime membership to the Hollywood Spa will be included in the utilities. And hey, if you can't send them off to the moon, stuffing them in a pseudo-spaceship is the next best hing, right?

I’m always amazed at the ignorance that is posted here from time to time. :koko: :koko:.

[Vangelist]

Just as I can be amazed at your lack of humour; I wasn't even the first to make this joke, but fine, pick that sentiment apart from my post and distort me as being homophobic. As a gay person who's never felt commortable with the community's indiscriminiating embrace of such places as nothing short of free-for-all sex clubs, I don't mind taking a shot at the goddamned Hollywood Spa.

[LAMetroGuy]

Humor??? Don't perpetuate the stereotype.

[Wright Concept]

As Practical Visionary said on a recent thread, in New York you know you are some place special since there is a statue, fountain, landmark or architectural gem on many-a-corner. Okay, so we don't have the history here...oh but wait, it's Hollywood, and in many of these buildings we DO. Yet no one is focusing on recaptuirng that glory again, and even the Roosevelt remodeling seems blighted by the advertisements they've licensed on their western facade. Hey this isn't supposed to be a continuation of the Sunset Strip - but it often feels like that now (esp where I live, 3 blocks east of H&H).

I didn't say that, that was LongBeachUrbanist. Give him that credit. All I've said as an addendum is that those landmarks occured because of the layout and time. In addition, The city doesn't have the brain matter to take care of simple basics such as in pedestrian zones or improving night life and making streets safer, by making street lights lower so that they shine down on the pedestrian level. Having pedestrian friendly treatments could mean simply a clean street with a trash can that gets taken out every couple of days or if money permits every day! Or a street with some landscaping and spots to sit.

But the Galaxy and having the drugstore there isn't a bad thing, Hell on Chicago's famed Michigan Avenue there are at least 3 Walgreens (Water Tower and Illinois Center) CVS drugstore(Next to Hard Rock Hotel) along that boulevard the key thing is that the Street itself is inviting. Having the drugstore won't be the death of Hollywood Boulevard, lack of Pedestrian connection, bad internal vertical suburban designs are what's going to kill Hollywood Blvd.

[dktshb]

I for one am very happy with all the tenants in the refurbished Galaxy by CIM group. :tup: I also think visually the Galaxy is much better now but I wish they incorporated a little more color to it and like LOSANGELESBEAUTY I wish the kept the old globe. Who know's they still might when LA Fitness finishes with their sign... they say it's going to be nice... we'll see.

[WesTheAngelino]

I’m always amazed at the ignorance that is posted here from time to time. :koko: :koko:.

Dude, get over yourself.

Like Vangelist, I was also being humorous. However, there is a grain of truth to everything, and I cannot imagine that 2 minute walking distance to the Hollywood Spa is not a selling point to at least some of the clientele of the gay retirement home.

[LAMetroGuy]

Dude, get over yourself.

Like Vangelist, I was also being humorous. However, there is a grain of truth to everything, and I cannot imagine that 2 minute walking distance to the Hollywood Spa is not a selling point to at least some of the clientele of the gay retirement home.

Someone came to party a bit late :tup:

[edluva]

happy and stupid, that's what i always say.