WeHo preservationists question feasibility of preserving French Market

Developer Faring might have satiated some preservationists when it agreed to incorporate, rather than demolish, an iconic spot on Santa Monica Boulevard. But it didn’t fully quell their concerns.

West Hollywood’s Historic Preservation Commission raised key concerns about the French Market redevelopment plans during a meeting on Monday, arguing the excavation plans could put the historic property at risk, WeHoville reported.

Faring plans to build a three-story underground garage beneath the historic property, which would be supported by steel beams. Commissioner Ed Levin said those plans are “simply not feasible” and that the Commission shouldn’t “accept that at face value.”

Critics also raised concerns about the interiors of the historic French Market building, located at 7985 Santa Monica Boulevard. The draft environmental impact report fails to mention anything about the building’s interiors, they claim, only revealing plans about the exterior facade.

Other commissioners praised Faring for choosing to incorporate the property into its plans to build a restaurant, office space and retail.

The original 1936 French Market structure is an iconic spot in the LGBTQ community, and a former haven for political activism events.

During the meeting, a spokesperson for Faring said the developers will address the concerns that were brought up on Monday. [Wehoville] – Natalie Hoberman