Last night neighbors of the 1962 ICM Building on Beverly Boulevard got together for an Airing of Grievances to kick off the environmental review of plans to renovate the building into condos. In addition to expanding the 10-story office building and converting it to house 64 condos, developer Townscape Partners wants to dig a subterranean garage under the surface parking lot behind the building and add 13 townhouses and a recreation center to the site. The plans would bring 200 new residents to the area and neighbors--especially those who live in the 33 homes on Rosewood Avenue directly behind the building--have been mobilizing in opposition.
WeHoville says about 30 people came out to last night's scoping meeting to count the ways they do not like the project. There was the usual hysteria (one woman called it an "invasion" of her "peaceful community"), and some probably-sensible concerns about what the buildings would mean for the already-overwhelmed neighborhood sewer line.
Neighbors have another week to comment, and the draft environmental impact report is expected in the fall. The ICM Building was designed by local modernist architect Richard Dorman. In June, WeHo's design review committee positively drooled over architect Thomas Kundig's wraparound extensions to the building, which will double its size.
· WeHo Neighbors of Controversial 8899 Beverly Blvd. Project Air Environmental Concerns [WeHoVille]
· West Hollywood's Modernist Office-to-Condo Conversion Sprouts Additions [Curbed LA]
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