The West Hollywood Planning Commission on Thursday granted a request to extend the permit expiration date for the Robertson Lane project.
The applicant —Jake Stevens, vice president of Faring — sought an extension for the approved entitlements until December 2024. The project had already received a one-year extension in June 2022, and this was the last extension request allowed. The applicant also intended to pursue a development agreement to further extend the project timeline.
The project consists of office space, retail, design showrooms, a new hotel and public benefits, including the restoration of the historic Factory and Studio One buildings.
Stevens provided a virtual walkthrough of the site, showcasing the design elements, including a mid-block pedestrian lane, street-front dining, kiosks, and pedestrian spaces. He highlighted the project’s compatibility with future city plans for closing Robertson Boulevard as a festival street. The project also incorporates native soil, as suggested by Commissioner Lynn Hoopingarner, and features cobblestone streets to create a unique atmosphere. The hotel component, along with the terraced design elements, was shown to blend with the pedestrian scale of the area.
“We’re very, very close to nailing down the hotel partner,” Stevens said, which would help secure financing for the project.
Stevens shared that construction mitigation plans were approved by City Council, and the project’s fire safety and building code updates had been integrated. He spoke about the recent loss of a key family member and property owner involved in the project, expressing the team’s commitment to continuing his legacy.
DJ Moore of Latham & Watkins explained that the extension would allow the applicant to finalize negotiations for a development agreement, which would be presented to the Planning Commission in mid-2025. Moore confirmed that no changes to the project were currently planned, although future tweaks might arise during negotiations with the hotel partner. He reiterated that the current application sought only the additional time provided by the extension.
Hoopinger asked if the extension was solely for negotiating the development agreement, expressing concerns about potential delays similar to the French Market project. Moore assured the commission that the applicant was actively working to secure financing and make progress on construction. He acknowledged that construction plans needed to be updated to reflect the current building code but stressed that the project had made significant progress despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Hoopinger revisited concerns about the project’s timeline and asked Moore to clarify the role of the hotel operator in securing financing. Moore confirmed that finalizing the hotel partnership would be key to securing the necessary funds to begin construction and move the project forward.
Chair Michael Lombardi emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum for the Robertson Lane project.
Vice Chair David Gregoire acknowledged the community’s frustration with the delays but emphasized that the project was valuable to West Hollywood. Meyer pointed out that not granting the extension would not speed up the process and noted the challenges posed by COVID-19 and inflation.
Commissioner Erick Matos also supported the extension, explaining that it was a standard one-year extension allowed under the city’s municipal code. He emphasized the extraordinary circumstances the applicant had faced, including financial difficulties due to the pandemic, and believed that the community was eager to see the project completed.
Commissioner Andrew Solomon echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, expressing excitement about the project and hoping that it would be completed sooner rather than later. He also mentioned that his daughter would enjoy seeing the project come to life in West Hollywood.
Lombardi said he felt the applicant had provided a clear justification for the extension, which the commission then approved unanimously.
This will never happen
How long will it take for people to stop trying to blame everything on the Covid thing? It is over and even during its height, long ago, lots of business got done by those who were motivated. Read between the lines here – if they can’t get a hotel they will not get money for the project and it will never happen.
So many businesses DESTROYED for this non-project.
“Chair Michael Lombardi emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum for the Robertson Lane project.” What momentum? It’s a hole in the ground. Faring has shown no ability to complete the projects that they have started in the city and should not be granted extensions. They should divest themselves of the project and sell it to someone who will be able to put something, anything up there. And closing Robertson for future festivals? Didn’t we manage to get it though your thick skulls when D’Amico shoved that idiotic idea through that we DO NOT WANT THAT? Honestly, do we need a… Read more »
Answer to last question: YES!
Has Faring ever been able to complete any project (with the exception of the building that houses Catch – which took years to build!) Faring is going to find it impossible to get community support behind any future projects should he come before our city with one.
I would like to better understand the reason for almost every large project/empty lot/ building in the city being stuck in limbo. We all see the LEASED signs at these projects but then it can take years or longer for any sign of activity. Look at the Doheny/Melrose vacant pit, the corners of La Cienega and SMO Blvd, the old Walgreens lot finally after YEARS becoming a parking lot, the old French Market, all the properties on Sunset etc. These have all been sold or cleared for development yet nothing happens. Is it the City’s fault. Why don’t we require… Read more »
Such a shame they keep extending this. Also, Anawalt building is now for lease. I honestly don’t think this project will get off the ground for quite sometime. Just like the OK dog stand on Fairfax. For lease as well.
“He highlighted the project’s compatibility with future city plans for closing Robertson Boulevard as a festival street.” What?! News to residents. Already tried once and failed. It makes as much sense to pursue that as it does to narrow Fountain to one lane in each direction. The city will have a big fight on their hands if they pursue closing Robertson.
Danny Hang is pushing for bike lanes on Robertson.
Let’s hope he never gets a chance to make any decision for our city.