Rooftop Renovation Approved for Historic Thunderbird Inn

Renovation of the Thunderbird Inn at 8300 Sunset Boulevard, was unanimously approved by the West Hollywood Planning Commission on June 5. The vacant hotel is set to transform into a PUBLIC-branded property with a new 14,016-square-foot rooftop deck. Adopted via Resolution No. PC 25-1606, the decision allows expanded outdoor alcohol service.

The project, led by 8300 Sunset Development, LLC and Ian Schrager Company, revives a site closed since 2021, designated a cultural resource in 2022. Senior Planner Doug Vu outlined a deck with 9,388 square feet of amenity space—lawn, track, and seating—accessible only to guests via keycard, operating from 9:00 a.m. to midnight (Sun-Wed) or 2:00 a.m. (Thu-Sat). A temporary rollout bar supports 16 annual special events with a 399-person capacity, while noise levels are capped at 71 dBA daytime and 57 dBA nighttime, mitigated by 6-foot glass barriers (east, south, west). Parking relies on valet for 97 vehicles, with up to three metered spaces on Sunset Boulevard.

Public comments highlighted a divide. Jordan, an attorney representing Unite Here Local 11, warned of noise from drunk crowds, questioning the noise study’s assumptions on speech levels and enforcement. David Stookey, a local resident, echoed concerns about 399 young adults amplifying late-night noise, suggesting real-time monitors. In contrast, Kathy Blaivas and Stephanie Harker praised Schrager’s preservation efforts, with Harker noting, “It’s refreshing to feel… the community wishes to retain the charm” of the Sunset Strip. Victor Omelczenko, via the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance, supported the project, citing its potential National Register status and economic benefits.

Commissioners addressed noise fears. Lynn M. Hoopingarner challenged the noise study’s 10:00 p.m. event end assumption versus 2:00 a.m. hours, and artificial turf’s impact (deemed negligible by consultants). Stacey Jones, despite misophonia, supported the project, citing Schrager’s preparedness, but proposed clarifying noise measurements “as measured at the interior of the sound wall” in condition 5.2. Michael A. Lombardi confirmed Schrager’s operation, ensuring accountability. Rogerio Carvalheiro and Andrew Solomon backed the project, with Solomon appreciating the applicant’s “above and beyond” noise standards and condition 5.5’s three-, six-, and nine-month reviews. The approval includes this measurement tweak, with appeals due by June 16, 2025.

The renovation promises to revitalize the Sunset Strip, preserving a mid-century icon while testing noise mitigation’s effectiveness, a concern softened by review mechanisms.