CITY OF Los ANGELES CALIFORNIA Office of the KAREN E. KAlFAYAN CITY CLERK Interim City Clerk Council and Public Services HOllY WOLCOTT Room 395, City Hall Los Angeles, CA 90012 Executive Officer General Information • (213) 978·1133 Fax: (213) 978·1040
KONRAD CARTER Acting Chief, Council and Public Services Division ANTONIO R. VILLARAIGOSA MAYOR www.citvclerk.lacitv.org
March 11, 2009
To All Interested Parties:
The City Council adopted the action(s), as attached, under Council file
No. 09-0188, at its meeting held March 10, 2009.
City Clerk
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COMMUNICATION
TO: LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL FILE NO. 09-0188
FROM: COUNCILMEMBER ED P. REYES, CHAIR PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
COMMUNICATION FROM CHAIR, PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE relative to the inclusion of the CBS Columbia Square Studios located at 6121 Sunset Boulevard in the list of Historic-Cultural Monuments.
Recommendations for Council action:
1. ADOPT the FINDINGS of the Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) as the Findings of the Council.
2. APPROVE the recommendation of the CHC relative to the inclusion of the CBS Columbia Square Studios located at 6121 Sunset Boulevard in the list of Historic-Cultural Monuments.
Applicant: Brian Curran, Hollywood Heritage CHC 2008-3990 HCM Owner: Apollo Real Estate Advisors
Fiscal Impact Statement: The CHC reports that such designation in and of itself has no fiscal impact. Future applications for permits may cause minimal administrative costs.
Community Impact Statement: None submitted.
TIME LIMIT FILE - MARCH 18, 2009
(LAST DAY FOR COUNCIL ACTION - MARCH 11,2009)
Summary:
On March 3, 2009, the Chair of the Planning and Land Use Management Committee (sitting as a Committee of one) considered the report, recommendations, and findings of the CHC relative to the inclusion of the CBS Columbia Square Studios located at 6121 Sunset Boulevard in the list of Historic-Cultural Monuments.
Staff from the Cultural Heritage Commission briefly described the history of the site, the CHC's recommendation and findings. It was reported that the original complex was built in 1938 and successfully meets four of the specified Historic-Cultural Monument criteria. Staff further reported that Studios Band C located on the northeastern portion of the property are within the boundaries of the proposed designation. However, it was reported that Studios Band C lack character defining features due to alterations and additions which took place in 1961 and 1968. Staff added that Studios Band C would not be subject to historic standards of review for future alterations.
Three speakers provided testimony in support of the CHC recommendation. It was reported that the site represents the transition from radio to television broadcasting in Los Angeles. One speaker reported on a 40 foot development proposed for the site. This speaker suggested that the proposed development would be inappropriate due to its nature and potential impact on the historical integrity of the site. Another speaker requested protection of the historical site in any future development.
A representative for the property owner provided illustrations of the site at the hearing. The representative reported that he disagrees with the CHC designation of fourth wing (Studios B and C) due to the 1961 alteration and 1968 addition to these buildings. It was reported that the applicant two years ago, filed an application for a 14-story (not 40 foot) development, and wants to proceed with the project. A second representative reported that in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared for the proposed project, all issues related to the historical nature of the project are fully vetted and mitigated, including the potential demolition of Studios Band C.
A Council Deputy, speaking on behalf of Council District Thirteen, Councilmember Eric Garcetti, spoke in support of the CHC findings and recommendations relative to the site. The Council Deputy acknowledged the CHC finding relative to Studios Band C, but suggested, that it would be more prudent to support the CHC recommendation for the entire site pending completion of the EIR.
RebfSi0 COUNCILMEMBER ED P. REYES, CHAIR PLANNING AND LAND USE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
MEMBER VOTE REYES: YES HUIZAR: ABSENT WEISS: ABSENT
BG:ys 3-4-09 CD 13
ADOPTED MAR 1 0 2009 LOS ANGELES CllY COUNCIL
- Not Official Until Council Acts -