The City of West Hollywood’s Planning Commission approved a new billboard on the Sunset Strip during last week’s meeting. Situated at the iconic Paul R. Williams Building at 9165 Sunset Boulevard, a designated cultural resource center, the designers created a unique aesthetic thatblends with the existing project’s forward-thinking features. Currently, the main occupant of this building is House on Sunset, a private coworking club.
Senior City Planner Bryan Eck and Aaron Green of the Afriat Consulting Group spoke about both the support the project has received due to its adherence to the essence of Williams’ original design, and the desire to bring those designs into the modern era. Prior to this meeting, the project had received unanimous approval from the Historical Preservation Commission a certificate of appropriateness.
“Our reinterpretation of a classic neon spectacular is a one of a kind static that’s highly customizable. It consists of a gantry structure and attached to that is a three-dimensional illuminated element,” said Yumna Siddiqi of Orange Barrel Media.
The intent is to evoke a classic feel that emulates the original Berman Furs sign from the 1930s that’s free of distractions for drivers. Senior Contract Planner Jennifer Davis reviewed various pictures showcasing how much of the sign would be visible at certain distances. At 1,250 feet away, the sign is completely hidden from commuters’ views.
There were no public comments or opposition to the project, which passed with a 5-0 vote. Chair Lynn Hoopingarner was absent, and Commissioner Rogerio Carvalheiro had to recuse himself.
CORRECTION: The headline of earlier version of this story misidentified the location of the billboard.
Thank God the only Karen on the commission, Lynn Hoopingarner, wasn’t present. Otherwise nothing progressive and forward thinking gets done in WeHo.
Lynn Hoopengarner is the only member of Planning Commission that has a grasp on context, design snd integrity especially when it comes to meaningful evolution of an initially well planned city. Commissioner Carvalheiro has design sensibility but exhibits bias as he is a participant in the Digital Billboard Scheme.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣that was really good. Seriously how much did she pay you? She’s the most incompetent and clueless commissioner. A complete NIMBY. Let’s not start BS-ing the public.
Lynn’s resume and expertise would spin lightyears around your meager unfounded opinion in many respects.
Why not? This city isn’t Paris. Nothing can make it look worse.
Jeez Ham, you are even more of a negative nancy than usual lately.
Hope your week gets better!
Hey Karen, didn’t you just call da wambulance (wehoville) and ask them to stop posting remarks attacking you? People like you in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones then buttercup. But then liberal hacks like you always don’t think the same rules should apply to them.
I haven’t attacked anyone lol. No stones were thrown.
Get vaccinated. Trump lost. Elder lost 🙂
Ok Karen
greeneyedguy
1 day ago
Reply to Ham Shipey
Jeez Ham, you are even more of a negative nancy than usual lately.
In the land of obesity, we should phase out the sugary drinks promotions.
Finally, it is approved. Rainbow Room wanted the billboard. I supported this billboard from the beginning (awhile back) and now a done deal. Great! Next door to The Roxy, they approved as well and both have ‘Landmark” status.
Hi Michael, The article is about to be updated, – the billboard is close to the Rainbow, and located at 9105 Sunset, the Rainbow is at 9165 Sunset. Was not a good description. I was doing the comments today and just wanted to let you know.
Other cities are laughing at the inept and faux claims that WeHo respects Historic Resources. The residents are crying at the false claims and wonder how the city contorts standards that other cities take seriously.
Maybe the inept planning folks that hatched this scheme would likely design a billboard to be perched over the White House. This city is a sellout from one end to the other and make up awards then pat themselves on the back and give themselves proclamations for all the fakery. Highly unethical.
Shameful to have discredited Paul Williams.
100 per cent agree. All it takes is $ to get what you want from the “City Council”.