On Nov. 1, the Los Angeles City Council voted to uphold a proposal by hotel operator CHA Health Systems to construct a medical office facility spanning 96,000 square feet atop an existing parking structure located at 1321-1323 N. Virgil Ave. The decision paves the way for the next step in Hollywood Presbyterian’s 10-year expansion plan, according to a report by Urbanize Los Angeles.
The plan calls for the addition of three levels of new construction to the existing 562-car parking garage, culminating in the creation of an eight-story building. The design by KMD Architects reveals a modern structure achieved through the use of glass, white metal panels and painted concrete. The building is intended to provide the necessary space for medical clinics, a pharmacy, cutting-edge diagnostics and imaging equipment and a select range of retail offerings, adds the report.
The project application was not without challenges as two appeals were filed with the City officials. The first appeal was by Doug Haines of the La Mirada Neighborhood Association, who raised concerns about the project’s compliance with local zoning regulations. However, no evidence was provided to substantiate claims. A second appeal, submitted by the union coalition Creed LA, was subsequently withdrawn prior to the Council hearing. The City officials therefore voted to approve the next phase of the Hollywood Presbyterian expansion.
Hollywood Presbyterian is not the only medical center in the vicinity pursuing ambitious expansion plans. The neighboring Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center and facilities along Sunset Boulevard and Vermont Avenue are also preparing for substantial growth to meet the healthcare demands of the local population.
The Registry reported on a similar project approved by the Los Angeles City Council a few months ago. Five years after Stockdale Capital Partners submitted plans to the City of Los Angeles Planning Department for a 12-story medical office tower, the project received approval from the City in late 2022. Situated in the Beverly Grove neighborhood at 650-676 South San Vicente Blvd., the project encompasses 140,305 square feet of medical office space and an additional 5,000 square feet designated for ground floor commercial retail use. As outlined in the project plans submitted to the City, the commercial component is expected to feature a 4,000 square foot restaurant and a 1,000 square foot pharmacy.
