A uniquely designed office building could soon be taking shape in the heart of Hollywood after plans were submitted to the City of Los Angeles. Nicknamed “The Star,” the dome-shaped building would rise 420 feet on Sunset Boulevard should it be approved.
According to submitted plans, the project would include a 22-story office building totaling 509,778 square feet. In addition, plans call for a rooftop restaurant as well as 19,915 square feet of event space. Future building tenants will also be serviced by a six-subterranean parking garage with space for up to 1,343 vehicles.
Designs for the project come from MAD Architects, a Chinese architecture firm which is also responsible for designing Los Angeles’ Lucas Museum of Art. The office building would be the firm’s second venture into Los Angeles.
Designs for the star include three tiers that help break up the building’s overall massing and make the domed ceiling and rooftop amenities more pronounced. The building would also feature a colorful geometric glass facade, which is intended to “mimic the crystellization found in jewels,” plans state.
“The project proposes to bring a modern architectural icon to this highly urbanized part of the city. The project utilizes unique design concepts that will contribute to the city’s stunning skyline by incorporating sky gardens and a terrarium-like rooftop dome that will feature breathtaking views of the city,” plans state.
Located in the pedestrian-friendly Hollywood neighborhood, the project site is located near a variety of retail, restaurant and office assets. The area is also within walking distance to several bus stops and train stations, including the Metro Hollywood and Vine Station. Popular Los Angeles attractions, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Palladium, Capitol Records Building, TCL Chinese Theatre and the Sunset Strip are also within close proximity. Over the years, the area has also been home to many entertainment and media tenants, including Netflix, ViacomCBS, and The Sunset Gower Studios.
Currently, the property is developed with four commercial buildings, three bungalows and a surface parking lot. The existing structures total 77,000 square feet and were originally purchased in 2017 by the project’s developer, Yi Chang Gong. According to public records, the property was purchased for $64.1 million through The Star LLC, which is managed by Gong.
Overall, the area has seen a lot of development over the past several years. More recently was Kilroy Realty’s Columbia Square development. Located along Gower Street, the property consists of 200 residential units in a 23-story residential tower along with indoor and outdoor workspaces and dining options. The 221-unit Lumina Hollywood development along Sunset Boulevard also was completed earlier this year.
MAD Architects did not respond in time to comment on this story.
