Councilmember O’Farrell, ABS Properties Break Ground on Nearly 100 Units of Senior Affordable Housing

The project involves the adaptive reuse of the Hollywood Western Building, an Art Deco masterpiece that is also a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument

 

HOLLYWOOD – Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, a citywide leader in affordable housing production, today joined ABS Properties and historic preservationists to break ground on 79 new units of affordable housing for low-income seniors. 

 

The project involves the adaptive reuse of the Hollywood Western Building, an art deco masterpiece in Hollywood that is designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

 

“Preserving our cultural history and adding to our supply of affordable housing aren’t mutually exclusive goals,” said Councilmember O’Farrell. “Results speak louder than words. In the 13th District, we are doing the hard work of producing housing, including adaptive reuse projects like this one to convert an existing architecturally significant building into housing. I’m proud to have helped secure the financing and land-use approvals for this project, which will put a roof over the heads of our most vulnerable Angelenos and breathe new life into this architectural masterpiece.”

 

“The adaptive reuse of the Hollywood Western Building comes at an important time for our community and city,” said Samir Srivastava, owner and developer of the Hollywood Western Building. “When families are losing hope of ever finding stable housing choices, we are building affordable units, while preserving a historic building that reminds us that our architectural past is worth saving.  In doing so, we are sending a crystal clear message to the city that Hollywood believes in building housing that allows for all backgrounds and incomes to live in harmony.”

 

The project will add to the more than 4,000 units of affordable housing completed, under construction, approved, and financed in the 13th District since Councilmember O’Farrell took office in 2013. 

 

The adaptive reuse of the Hollywood Western Building is just the latest chapter in its Hollywood story. Constructed in 1928 by movie mogul Louis B. Mayer, the Hollywood Western Building originally served as the first home of the Motion Picture Association of America and Central Casting before becoming rehearsal spaces for iconic bands like Guns N Roses. Most recently, the building housed government offices, including those of  Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. 

 

“This is a great example of how adaptive reuse and historic preservation can work together,” said Lambert Giessinger from Los Angeles City Planning’s Office of Historic Resources. “I’m thankful to make this project a reality and ensure this historic resource is enjoyed by future generations of Angelenos.”

 

“We’re thrilled to see this project come online and be the service provider,” said Josh Hertz, Director of Relations with The People Concern, which will provide on-site services to the local residents. “Permanent supportive housing is a much needed resource in Hollywood and we’re in full support of the adaptive reuse model to meet our needs today.”