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The unfinished mess (ripe with symbolism) at the corner of Western Avenue and Sunset Boulevard isn't going anywhere anytime soon. For the second time in three years, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has struck down the city of L.A.'s approval for the building to complete construction.
Target first eyed the East Hollywood location for a new store back in 2010. In 2012, the city approved construction plans for a 74-foot retail store, despite zoning rules only allowing for a 35-foot structure.
In 2014, attorney Robert P. Silverstein, representing the La Mirada Avenue Neighborhood Association, brought suit against the city to halt construction.
"Nobody that I represent ever opposed a Target store," Silverstein said at the time, reports the Los Angeles Times. "What they opposed was blowing the lid off the height and the parking and the other structural requirements that are supposed to … guide development for the future of Hollywood."
The La Mirada Association, and a second plaintiff, won the suit, with County Superior Judge Richard L. Fruin Jr. taking their side.
"Target is taking steps to continue construction at the store site so our opening plans remain on schedule, but due to pending litigation, we are unable to share specific details," Erika Winkels, a Target spokeswoman, said in 2014, notes the LA Weekly. "We are committed to the community and look forward to providing guests with the superior shopping experience, inspiring merchandise and great value that they've come to expect."
The ruling halted construction, and the shell has been standing in limbo ever since.
The Times adds that a 2016 rezoning by the City Council gave hope that the project might finally be completed, but this week's ruling overturns the council's new zoning—and puts the future of the project into serious question.
“More than 250 permanent jobs have been in limbo,” Leron Gubler, president of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said of the ruling, which he believes hurts low-income families. “The community needs those jobs and the shopping opportunities.”
Meanwhile, some 2.5 miles south (or four subway stops away), a new Target is finishing up construction in Koreatown. According to Curbed, the project should open by the end of the year.
