PaliHouse Opening: Close But No Cigar...

Now that a recent report states that tourism and travel is one of LA's biggest economic drivers at this point, let's check in with how all those under-construction hotels are doing. Back in May, it was announced that the spring 2009 opening for Palihouse, the "boutique urban lodge" aka extended-stay hotel at Hollywood and Vine had been pushed back till this summer. Stopping by the site this morning, it looks like project is just about done. So where are we, old friend Pali? Michael Baker at development company By Palisades says that there's been a couple of delays related to financing building department sign-offs. "We've had a hold-up in funding for a number of reasons, but funding has resumed and we are getting people paid," he said, noting the financing resolution just came in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, it's been "very slow with the final [building] inspections," he adds. And while Baker says that while he doesn't want to give a firm date, but that the opening is "very close." Meanwhile, this project will join the Hollywood W in bringing new units to the area and bunking all those out of towners.