Preservation Update: TrizecHahn Clears Hurdle

By Robert Nudelman & Barry Milofsky

The TrizecHahn Development Corporation's proposal for a two-block project surrounding the Chinese Theater has cleared Los Angeles City Council hurdles. The project would include promenades, stores, theaters, exhibition space, renovation of the Holiday Inn, and restoration of the Chinese Theater, and the jewel in the crown will be a 3300 seat broadcast theater where the Academy Awards will be broadcast. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced an agreement to move its ratings grabber Oscar broadcast to the new facility in 2001. The city plans to spend $90 million to build and own parts of the complex. The retail-entertainment complex is budgeted at $385 million. Hollywood Heritage members and directors had the opportunity to meet with David Malmuth, and other TrizecHahn executives and staff early on. TrizecHahn brought models and renderings of the project. The spirited give and take was constructive and appreciated by all. HHI members requested that TrizecHahn study the project's affect on traffic patterns especially on Highland Avenue. Also, there was criticism of the facades design motif, which is now being redesigned. The TrizecHahn representatives seem to have embraced HHI comments regarding the need to restore the Chinese Theater, and for exhibition and convention space, and later announced that about 40,000 sq. feet of space would be included in the project.

Photo shows HHI members intently scrutinixing the TrizecHahn presentation.