Revived plans to build a large mixed-use development in Hollywood next to an iconic building are awakening some concerns about the potential loss of historic character.
The project would be a million square feet of mixed use surrounding the round mid-rise Capitol Records building from 1956.
"Aarons has pushed his architects to think carefully about how the new development will work at sidewalk level - and in particular how to link it to a Metro subway stop at Hollywood and Vine. Plans for Millennium Hollywood also suggest that he may be willing to help develop - and help pay for - a greenway threading east from the development to the site of the freeway park.
Roschen, a partner in Roschen Van Cleve Architects and chairman of the city's planning commission, has for his part tried to make sure that the development will maintain significant open space around the base of Becket's tower. Plans include a plaza directly across Vine from Capitol Records - an open-air space designed to be an outdoor public room in the tradition of Grauman's Chinese and Egyptian theaters."
Read the full story: Critic's Notebook: Hollywood landmark at a crossroads
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