Preservationists throw monkey wrench at Hollywood Crosswords of the World project

The Hollywood Reporter building at
The Hollywood Reporter building at

It’s been two years since the Harridge Development Group first unveiled its plans to develop the seven acres around Hollywood’s Crossroads of the World complex, but the developer may be in store for a further delay.

City planning received an application Tuesday to grant historic cultural status to the Hollywood Reporter building at 6713 Sunset Boulevard, which is among six historically significant buildings Harridge would raze to make way for its three-tower project, according to the project’s environmental impact report. 

If the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission considers the application, as Curbed reported, the developer would be unable to razw the 1920s-era building during the timespan of review.

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The application was filed by the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. The building in question was created by Hollywood Reporter founder William Wilkerson for his retail store called Sunset House. Its facade was designed in 1937 by architect Douglas Hannold. The structure was later occupied by L.A. Weekly.

Demolition isn’t entirely out of the question even if the structure receives historic status, but it could be delayed for up to a year while officials consider all the options for preservation. [Curbed]Cathaleen Chen