David Cooley, founder of West Hollywood’s iconic Abbey bar and restaurant, has released images of “Cooley’s,” the restaurant and bar he plans to open at 8936 Santa Monica Blvd. near San Vicente next year. The images were presented Tuesday night at a community meeting at the Abbey where residents were invited to ask questions about the new venue.
Cooley’s will occupy 10,000 square feet of space that formerly housed Raffi Jewelry, Balliamos dance studio and Unicorn Alley, an adult store. Cooleys also will include a 3,000-square-foot patio facing Santa Monica Boulevard and a large terrace overlooking West Hollywood Park.
I like how Alfredo talks out of both sides of his mouth. He should join the Tea Party. You say you’re a believer in the free market system, yet you don’t want to potential customers to decide whether or not Cooley’s will survive. You want to short circuit it by feigning fake outrage. And way to throw in your kids as part of your “argument.” “What about the CHILDREN?!?!??!”
So here are some questions to ask. If the city wants to have concerts/movies in the park in the future how will the two compete ? If sound does not travel but a few yards why can I hear sound check from pride stages in the park and I live a mile away by the Trader joes ? When the patio was open at sunset and Crescent heights for sunday funday how was I able to hear the music at fountain from an inside courtyard apartment ? When Elton throws his party in the park how will the two compete… Read more »
Oh my, the NIMBYism is out in full force. Of course this is a great place for a gay bar/club/restaurant. There is nothing wrong with the patio facing WeHo Park. Are you “gay dads” even aware of how WeHo Park is built? There is an alley, grassy knoll, basketball court and walkway before the park green even begins. Some of you hand-wringers make it sound like a strip club is being built next to the Tiny Tots sand box. If you are offended by gay men enjoying themselves in a restaurant/bar some 30 yards away, yes, go to Pasadena or… Read more »
Todd -David has said that Cooley’s is a joint venture between SBE and himself as recently as the plans being unveiled this past Tuesday. It’s a private company so I’m not sure how specific any posting would be other than naming the corporate entity, which in it of itself can have whomever as shareholders without disclosing that information.
Randy – this isn’t complaining for the sake of being a pain in the ass. This is looking a large project and its impact on a community and voicing concern over its responsible development.
Do people have to complain about everything??
Yes, there will be noise in the park. Who cares? Its up against the basketball court. It will be busiest at night, when there are less people in the park anyways. If its going to open up to the park, I can’t think of a better part of the park for it to open to, from a noise impact level.
Also, if you look at the new park designs, you can see that the increase in green space will give plenty of room for people who need to “escape the noise.”
The plans look great. However, I have a few reservations, mostly well articulated. I would like some clarification. I’ve read that Cooley’s wasn’t going to be an SBE property, but the scale of the project suggests SBE investement and involvement. So which is it? An individual investment, separate from the corporate umbrella of SBE or an individual venture of Mr. Cooley? @Alfredo Diaz – is there a public notice or document that states the ownership? It just seems odd that SBE would risk cannibalizing The Abbey’s clientele for another venue just steps away from the Cash Cow. This is going… Read more »
The Architect is Kelly Architects at 2404 Wilshire Blvd SUite 1E, LA CA 90057
Who is the architect? I would like to hire them.
The fact is the patio will affect the park. You cant control 100 people on a patio screaming at shirtless guys on the basketball court. You cant control the noise outdoors. Can anybody else speak to another alley in this city that is used as a commercial lot. Block has it right in the first comment. Diaz has it right about the monopoly of parking credits as well. Boystown planner has it right about the entitlements. The ‘pros’ without reservation are probably insiders of the project who have something to gain. AND AS YOU CAN SEE ITS NOT EVEN GOING… Read more »
Johny B what a stupid comment, “says the guy with half his pictures in competing gay bars” Yes I frequent other gays bars not just my own, I’m not afraid of competition and I actually support those businesses surrounding my own. Revolver does very well and with a fantastic, highly desirable customer base. Revolver will always be the fun, smaller, gay owned and operated alternative to larger nightclubs. So what was your point? This isn’t about my fear of SBE stealing business from me. The fact is as many of their concepts fail as they do succeed. They needed a… Read more »
Unfortunately the conglomerate, SBE, is attached. They are terrible. They ruined The Abbey, and this will be the same, I’m sure. Beautiful though. Wish him luck.
For all of you idiots talking about gays with kids moving out of West Hollywood, you’re obviously have never considered what this city means to people who aren’t strictly bar hoppers. I’m a single gay dad and when I take my son to the West Hollywood park, I know that it’s a park where I can expect to bump into and socialize with other gay parents. West Hollywood isn’t just about nightlife. The fact that David Cooley (who in my opinion does nothing for this city unless it helps his bottom line) is doing another mega-club, is plain and simply… Read more »