The Los Angeles City Council’s Planning and Land Use (PLUM) Committee on Tuesday approved the Columbia Square project, a mixed-use development at 6121 Sunset  Blvd. that would feature the tallest building in Hollywood. The project is expected to be reviewed by the full city council on July 28.

The buildings on Sunset Boulevard that formerly housed CBS Studios will be preserved as part of the new project. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The development will be built at the historic Columbia Square site, which was built in 1937 and is the longtime home to CBS Radio and stations such as KNX and KCBS FM, which moved out in 2005. The facility also housed the studios of KCBS-TV and KCAL-TV between 2002 and 2007, when the stations moved to a CBS facility in Studio City. The property is owned by AREA Property Partners LLC, which is planning a mixed-use project with a hotel, residential units, office and retail space. Approximately 200 residential units will be included, as well as approximately 442,000 square feet of office space. The project will also include a 125-room hotel.

The development would include two towers, including a 28-story residential tower that would be the tallest in Hollywood, and a 17-story office tower. The project was scaled back significantly from its original design, which included a 40-story residential tower.

Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti, 13th District, is supporting the project.

“This project has changed significantly since it was first proposed because my office made sure the community was engaged in a robust dialogue,” Garcetti said. “We are pleased that this project, which will create much needed affordable housing and economic activity, including an agreement for local job hiring, now has neighborhood council and Hollywood Heritage support.”

Brian Curren, vice president of the preservation group, Hollywood Heritage, said the organization had originally opposed the project, but are now supporting it because of changes incorporated by the developer. The project calls for the three main buildings facing Sunset Boulevard, which were designed by architect William Lescaze, to be preserved. A former studio building to the rear of the property will be demolished. As part of the compromise, AREA Property Partners has agreed to use as much material from the demolished studios as possible in the new buildings.

“We are delighted and enthusiastic about the use of the historical resources at  the site,” Curren said. “We were  given a guarantee that the Lescaze buildings would be rehabilitated as part of the project, and we were interested in trying to keep the cultural connection with the studios.

When they dismantle the studios, they will salvage the architectural elements.”

The project has also garnered support form the Hollywood Studio District Neighborhood Council. Maripat Donovan, chair of the neighborhood council, said the project conforms with the city’s goal of placing housing near public transportation hubs, and is located in a heavily-urbanized area.

“I think it’s really good for the community. I understand it is hard for a lot of people to see Hollywood get more dense than it already is, but this will be in downtown Hollywood. It’s not like they are doing it in the middle of Larchmont. I also think they will be very respectful of the history of CBS studios.”

The project’s architect, Scott Johnson, of Johnson Fain Architects, said the design pays tribute to the site’s history. The former studios on Sunset Boulevard will be used as office space, and the property will include open plazas and walkways.

Sheila Gonzaga, a spokesperson with Marathon Communication, which represents AREA Property Partners, said once it receives final approval, the developer will seek financing for the $800 million project and will begin the process of securing tenants. Gonzaga added that the PLUM Committees decision was a major step in making the project a reality, and that it was  achieved through cooperation with the Hollywood community.

“I think people are happy,” Gonzaga added. “we have worked through the process for several years, and now have a project that will benefit the community.”