Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Two High Rises Going Up In Hollywood Despite Objections From NIMBY Neighbors
Rendering of the Palladium Residences (courtesy of Stanley Saitowitz / Natoma Architects Inc)
The Los Angeles City Council has approved controversial plans for two 30-story towers to be built on the parking lot of the Hollywood Palladium. The unanimous approval of the two planned high rises, known as the Palladium Residences, required changes to zoning and height requirements, but not everyone is thrilled with the plan, according to the L.A. Times. The developer of the project, Crescent Heights, says the two buildings—will include a hotel and 731 apartment units between them—will provide much-needed housing for the area, while also preserving the Hollywood Palladium, the concert venue built in 1940.
But the plans for the two towers have met with fierce opposition from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation—whose own offices sit on the 21st floor of a nearby high rise—which argues that the project is too tall and dense for the neighborhood. The AIDS sponsors the Coalition to Preserve L.A., which works to block approval of what they describe as "mega-developments" across the city, including the Palladium Residences. The group is gathering signatures for the Neighborhood Integrity Initiative, recently pushed back to the March 2017 municipal election ballot, which would block such projects.
"We are considering all our legal options," said Liza Brereton, an attorney for the foundation tells the Times. "Unfortunately, we're not surprised that they would just rubber stamp this."
Brereton says that the project won't do much to address the growing need for affordable housing in L.A. But Leron Gubler, president and chief executive of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, sees the project differently and thinks the additional units will help.
"Los Angeles has one of the worst housing shortfalls in the nation," Gubler told the Times last week. "This is the type of project that we need to close that gap."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
