Neighborhood Council Approves Hollywood Center Studios' Construction Project

The Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council voted Monday night to approve a construction project at Hollywood Center Studios.

The project, located at 1040 N. Las Palmas Ave., would include the addition of a 100,000-square-foot office building, a multi-level parking garage and construction of a second level to an existing surface parking lot.

Adding a second deck over the parking level at Las Palmas and Barton avenues, also known as Lot E, would “relieve parking on Lot B where most crews and business employees park,” said Tim Mahoney, Hollywood Center Studios executive vice president and chief operating officer.

The motion was passed with certain requested conditions, including: downward lighting, a lighting plan, a security contact for residents who live on Barton Avenue, the addition of bike parking, having no south turns from the parking garage onto Seward Street, and the addition of a stop sign at the intersection of Wilcox Avenue and Romaine Street. Another stipulation was honoring the studio lot’s history.

With the lot's history dating back to 1920, board member Laurie Goldman said she wants to make sure that fact is recognized.

“I love the project, and I’m glad you’re doing it,” Goldman said. “I’m concerned about the historical significance here.”

It was agreed that posters or some other type of signage be included in the plans as well as a letter from the Office of Historic Resources.

The Neighborhood Council members requested, as part of the conditions, a landscape plan that fits with the architecture of the new building including plants that complement the building.

Landscape architect, Jennifer Lowe of Darsaya Studios, mentioned keeping the existing ficus trees on Barton, and possibly adding ferns around them to help unify the project. Her aim is to create a landscape that passerbys would recognize as part of the studio.

In addition, Neighborhood Council members requested incorporating open spaces, including courtyards and plazas, into the plan as well as landscaping of all open areas; installing dog waste stations, implementing a pedestrian plan, using signage to show respect to area neighbors and holding no special events in the parking garage. Mahoney said the latter would be a challenge.

“You can rely on the fact we have never done it in 28 years,” Mahoney said. “It will be hard to do.”

Council board member David Carrera said despite the array of conditions requested by the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council, the construction project is a welcome one.

“I fully support the studio," Carrera said. “You guys provide a lot of great, real jobs in the community.”

All members of the council voted in favor of the measure except for Tricia LaBelle, who abstained. Council rules prohibited David Ambroz from voting due to his proximity to the construction site.

The project is scheduled to go to the Zoning Administration next month.