Gas station on Laurel will get new lease on life

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The frumpy gas station on Laurel and Santa Monica Boulevard is getting a long-overdue makeover.

WeHo’s Design Review Subcommittee met Thursday to discuss the proposed renovation of the service station and convenience store at 8020 Santa Monica Boulevard.

The project, submitted by Bost Land, LLC and designed by Ramcam Engineering Group, Inc., aims to transform an existing service station with the addition of two electric vehicle charging stations, a new convenience store, and a café/deli. Set within the city’s CC1 Zoning District, this proposal focuses on improving the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the site.

The site currently lacks greenery and pedestrian-friendly elements. As part of the proposed changes, the four existing curb cuts will be reduced to two — one along Santa Monica Boulevard and one along Laurel Avenue — significantly enhancing the pedestrian experience. The project will add two new electric vehicle charging stations, bringing the total number of service stations to six.

Landscaping is a key feature of the proposal, with eight Brisbane box trees planned for the southern portion of the site and two queen palm trees in the northeast corner. However, the city’s planning staff suggested replacing the queen palms with native canopy trees to provide more shade and align with West Hollywood’s goals for wildlife propagation. The applicant will collaborate with the Public Works Department to ensure that the landscaping is consistent with the city’s Streetscape and Urban Forest Management Plans.

The convenience store and café, each measuring 1,000 square feet, aim to revitalize the street presence. The modern design combines materials such as stone, metal, and stucco to create a welcoming and pedestrian-friendly environment, especially along Santa Monica Boulevard, where an outdoor dining area will contribute to the liveliness of the street. However, concerns about pedestrian safety were raised, with suggestions for adding bollards to protect people from vehicular traffic near the service station. Nine on-site parking spaces will be provided, with two reserved for electric vehicle charging and one for ADA accessibility.

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The proposed design features a neutral color scheme with a mix of stone, brick, and glass along the northern elevation, ensuring visibility and transparency for the café. The Subcommittee noted that creating a more adaptable façade for the café might be beneficial, depending on future tenants. It was also recommended that different paving materials be used to distinguish the pedestrian paths leading to the café from those serving the service station.

The project includes a new service station canopy, which city planners encouraged the applicant to redesign for greater visual interest and functionality. By drawing inspiration from other innovative service station canopies in the region, the applicant could create a more distinctive design that would also offer better weather protection.

While the project proposes using LED lighting, the Subcommittee emphasized the need for exterior lighting to be integrated into the architectural design. Proper lighting would enhance the appearance of the building while improving pedestrian safety, particularly for those entering the café from the sidewalk.

The subcommittee summarized the project by encouraging the applicant to reconsider several design elements before proceeding. These recommendations include using different paving materials to improve pedestrian accessibility, adding bollards for enhanced safety, diversifying the landscaping to align with the city’s sustainability goals, integrating lighting into the architectural features, ensuring proper drainage systems for the convenience store and café, and exploring alternative designs for the service station canopy.

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Tyler Giles
Tyler Giles
11 days ago

Looks like I might like it But the pics keep changing at such a rapid pace you cant figure out whats going on !

Carolyn C.
Carolyn C.
12 days ago

“The project will add two new electric vehicle charging stations, bringing the total number of service stations to six.” I can’t tell if this means service bays, or not. Can anyone tell me? The City Council has already approved the Chevron station’s (La Cienega and Holloway) eliminating the current three service bays where locals get their Smog Checks and car repairs done. They are being replaced by a car wash. There are already two full service car washes only a few blocks away. Idiocracy rules again in WeHo.

Davedi
Davedi
12 days ago

Don’t get too excited. I’m sure Bryers will vote to have it turned into a bicycle repair shop.

Olen
Olen
12 days ago

Wildlife propagation? Are you f ing kidding me? It’s a GAS STATION

Last edited 12 days ago by Olen
Gimmeabreak
Gimmeabreak
13 days ago

Will there be just as many pumps for fill-up as there are now?

Cy Husain 🌹
13 days ago
Reply to  Gimmeabreak

Actually they should reduce the number of gas pumps as we phase out gas powered cars.

Cy Husain 🌹
14 days ago

It seems to be an attractive design with the convenience store and café/deli to add to the social atmosphere. Starting with two new electric vehicle charging stations is a good idea that can easily be expanded as we phase out gas powered cars by 2035 👏🏽 and, all new vehicles sold in California are zero-emission. I’m doing my best to get all this in place by 2030 ahead of schedule❗

Emilija
Emilija
13 days ago
Reply to  Cy Husain 🌹

Oh that’s going to trigger all the RWNJs with their beloved Mad Max mobiles! 😂

john
john
12 days ago
Reply to  Cy Husain 🌹

What about all the movie stars with private jets. Will they give those up?

Cy Husain 🌹
8 days ago
Reply to  john

WE need to MAKE them “give those up ❗ ” I emphasized the WE because when I’ve done anything on aircraft they call the Feds and, I’m in handcuffs again.

Kevin
Kevin
14 days ago

Brilliant.

PeteP
PeteP
14 days ago

it would be nice to look at the photos but the slideshow is way too fast

Gimmeabreak
Gimmeabreak
13 days ago
Reply to  PeteP

Yes, it is! WAY too fast!

Tom
Tom
14 days ago

Thank goodness that terrible frump gas station will be transformed by the addition of a cafe and convenience store. All it needs is a Color-Me-Mine, and a dog park on the roof. At least they’ll still sell gas.

Cy Husain 🌹
14 days ago
Reply to  Tom

Well they won’t be selling gas for very long. The state’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule requires zero-emission vehicles to represent 35% of new cars and light trucks in lots by 2026, and then 68% by 2030, before reaching 100% in 2035. We can expand the charging stations as we phase out the gas power cars.

Tom
Tom
13 days ago
Reply to  Cy Husain 🌹

I wouldn’t hold your breath on that one.

Emilija
Emilija
13 days ago
Reply to  Tom

It’s not a matter of breath holding, it’s more a matter of E-car technology having advanced to the point that they can easily replace gasoline powered vehicles and, without the Environmental Impact.

Davedi
Davedi
12 days ago
Reply to  Cy Husain 🌹

In lots. Doesn’t mean we’re buying them. Good news for anyone who wants an electric car because they’ll be a glut of them and they’ll have to reduce the price.

Cy Husain 🌹
8 days ago
Reply to  Davedi

Your EV options are deliberately narrowed by Canada & US, imposing a 100% tariff on EVs imported from China pushed by the auto & fossil fuel industry, so your ONLY EV options are limited to very expensive EVs like Tesla. I got a highly affordable Chinese E-Cycle NOT included in the tariff❗

E-cycle1
Pot Head
Pot Head
13 days ago
Reply to  Tom

What about another luxury pot shop in this gas complex? The other pot shops are too far away.

sdfdfs
sdfdfs
14 days ago

BUT will affordable housing be on the second level?