The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) in West Hollywood is gearing up to evaluate an application tonight that seeks to designate the Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits building as a local cultural resource. Located at the prominent address of 9101 W Sunset Boulevard, this building has been a cornerstone of the community since its initial construction in 1929.
The application process was initiated by Kathryn McGee and Jenna Snow, who submitted the necessary documents on behalf of the property owner, Darren Weinstock of SBMC Van Buren, LLC. The comprehensive application package includes a statement outlining the building’s historical significance, a detailed description of the site, an account of its history, and a bibliography of supporting materials.
Under Section 19.58.040 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code, the HPC holds the responsibility to recommend cultural resource designations to the City Council, which then makes the final decision. Since its incorporation as a city in 1984, West Hollywood has been committed to the preservation of its cultural heritage. It has designated over 100 cultural resources, including six historic districts and thematic groupings, thereby contributing to the city’s unique character and cultural depth.
The Gil Turner’s Fine Wines & Spirits building is a commercial edifice that was originally erected in 1929 and later expanded in 1936. It boasts a Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style, a popular design choice of that era. The building is one of the last remaining commercial structures on Sunset Boulevard that were constructed prior to World War II. This makes it a rare gem, reflecting significant geographical patterns associated with the early commercial development of Sunset Boulevard.
In April 2022, the HPC had initially reviewed the nomination but deferred the decision, requesting more information to substantiate the application. The applicant complied and prepared an addendum containing additional data and historical context. This addendum serves to strengthen the case for the building’s designation as a cultural resource.
One of the most compelling aspects of the building is its retention of all seven aspects of historic integrity as defined by the National Park Service. These include its original location, the design that maintains its Spanish Colonial Revival style, the setting that preserves its orientation towards Sunset Boulevard, the use of original materials like smooth stucco and clay tile roof, the workmanship evident in its construction, the feeling it evokes as one of the earliest commercial buildings on Sunset Boulevard, and its association with the early development of the Sunset Strip.
The staff of the HPC has put forth a recommendation to approve the nomination. If approved, the recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for a final verdict. The designation is also considered to be categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as it aligns with the guidelines for preserving historical resources set by the Secretary of the Interior.
The public hearing for this significant designation has been properly noticed in accordance with the West Hollywood Municipal Code. The HPC is expected to consider all relevant testimony and evidence before arriving at its recommendation.
For those interested in learning more or participating in the process, the draft resolution No. HPC 22-159 and the Cultural Resource Designation Application, dated July 21, 2021, are available for public review. This is a pivotal moment in the preservation of West Hollywood’s rich history, and the decision could set a precedent for future cultural resource designations in the city.
Oh gawd, tear it down.
please No No alcohol and cigarettes plus most people I knew even my sister bought alcohol underage but she looked old. She was a suicide march 2020 at 57 Bury that place for me and
The HPC endorsed the Turner Liquor Nomination last evening. An amended application gave the commission and audience additional interesting facts about the building and likewise the development of the surrounding area on Sunset. Darren Weinstock expressed that he would welcome more participation in designating properties throughout West Hollywood.
On one hand Turner’s Liquor gets a shot at becoming a designated HP Resource and on the other, the Temple Beth El one block from a locally designated building by the same architect, is banished to Siberia and dust.
Who do you know and who does what for whom?
Personally, I feel the council figures out where they are most likely to get “favors” (bribes, free luxury trips, outright cash under the table, etc.), and a big property where lots of expensive condos will no doubt be coming is surely their best bet for continued corruption. I hope that helped.
exactly in West Hollywood a liquor store trumps a temple
Schizophrenic City Management promotes this concept. Apparently most of the “leaders” grew up in an environment that had no respect for anything let alone traditions. Their free handed, self absorbed, free for all which they view as outstanding leadership is absurd to any sane person viewing West Hollywood.
Good point
If it takes declaring every building in West Hollywood with historical significance, bring it. If this will stop/slow down the continuous tear down, dig and build that is our city, bring it. That the city and its “progress” has left empty lots, eight story holes in the ground, half built edifices, etc. let’s designate ever damn building of historical significance. Stop the disgusting developers.
You do understand with the freebies the City wants to hand out to the freeloaders, including luxury homeless motel purchases and upgrades for a dozen out of town homeless, the only want to pay for all of that is building more and more. I’m glad I could educate you on how things work around here.
Please stop with your “educating”.
no education. just dumb comments
We’re all waiting to hear your wisdom. Say something interesting.
Kindly add some factual, verifiable information. Everyone would be grateful. Wehoville is not the place for petty 7th grade spats. 🙄
Pretty soon we will be determining that utility poles are a cultural resource and should be protected. Good grief.
This is great news. Designation is about the building and not the contents of the building. I applaud this owner for wanting to keep a history of The Strip.
This is a joke, right? My hunch is the owners who live behind this property, whether in the city of Weho, or City of L.A., don’t want a high rise built there and have their views blocked, so they are going for the “let’s torture the liquor store owner, make them spend a fortune fighting this in court for years, and get our views protected”. The only thing of interest about that location is that it was the sight of Halle Berry’s drunk driving crash, where she was basically unpunished for leaving the scene of a crime. Tear it down,… Read more »
We thank you for your expertise in architecture and historic preservation.
Thank you for the compliment, but I have no expertise in architecture or historic preservation. What I do have expertise in is identifying the crazies around town.
youre the crazy around town….if you even live here
I may be the crazy around town, but at least I know how to spell.
“I have no expertise in architecture or historic preservation.”
Yeah, we know.
seriously? who cares about this building. considering all the other things that West Hollywood has allowed to be destroyed over the years This is hardly worth saving. What about Tower Records? What about all the residential buildings that have been allowed to be torn down people thrown out into the street so that condominiums could be built? What about the old library at San Vicente Park? The only thing that matters to West Hollywood and has ever mattered to West Hollywood is money property prestige and people being paid off. TEAR IT DOWN !
I once did laundry at the old laundromat in the former Pavillion’s/Von’s parking lot. I have fond memories of that. What a shame the City allowed them to tear it down. It meant so much to me. It was part of our history and culture.
oh my god so did I! I especially love that laundromat is they always had plenty of borders and beautiful color TVs! while we’re at it it’s too bad that that entire strip mall was taken out at Santa Monica and crescent heights were for years Marco’s used to be there there was a laundromat there was a donut shop etc and now how long has it been an empty plot of dirt? The West Hollywood I grew up in versus what it’s become over the last 25 years is disgusting!
It’s a beautiful building!