Potential Skyline Transformation in West Hollywood

Is West Hollywood about to see a significant shift?

This week, the West Hollywood Planning Commission will deliberate on a striking 34-story mixed-use tower that could transform the city’s skyline. On October 1, the commission will evaluate a proposal for a development featuring 514 apartments located at 1000 North La Brea Avenue, which sits at the intersection of La Brea and Romaine Street.

The proposal, introduced by CIM Group, aims to replace an old concrete batch plant and a vacant warehouse with a new building reaching approximately 352 feet. This structure would comprise 514 residential units along with about 30,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor.

If this project is approved, it would significantly exceed current height regulations, which cap buildings at 90 feet or roughly eight stories. The planned tower’s floor-area ratio (FAR) sits at 9.85, a substantial increase compared to the standard maximum FAR of 3.0.

Among the apartments, 128 units—about 25%—are slated to be affordable. This allocation includes 51 units for very low-income residents, 51 for low-income individuals, and 26 for those with moderate incomes. In West Hollywood, developments with 11 or more units typically have to adhere to the city’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, which mandates setting aside 20% of units for affordable housing.

The other 386 apartments would be offered at market rates. Interestingly, the affordable units would be situated on floors 8 through 11, sharing common amenities with the rest of the residents.

Additionally, the development plans to feature six integrated billboards on the building’s exterior, including one that is fully digital. There’s an arrangement where West Hollywood would receive 20% of the adjusted net revenue from these billboards, which might be a nice financial boost for the city.

Residents can look forward to landscaped gardens, a pool deck, indoor amenities, and rooftop open areas. The project has plans for 674 parking spots and more than 260 bicycle spaces, which seems like a thoughtful provision.

As of now, city staff has received 68 pieces of public correspondence, all expressing support for the project. The Planning Commission’s recommendation will then move to the City Council, which will have the final say.

This initiative has been in planning for quite a while and could play a pivotal role in helping West Hollywood meet its housing objectives set by the state.