LVMH’s recently announced plans to redevelop a sizable chunk of Rodeo Drive has hit a roadblock. The French luxury conglomerate—home to brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Tiffany, TAG Heuer and Bulgari—had announced plans for Hotel Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills, a 115 room, nine story property within Beverly Hills’ so-called Golden Triangle.
However, the luxury retailer has now asked the city to halt its review of the plans until an undetermined date. So what’s the hold up?
The Beverly Hills Courier reports that several concerns were raised by the city and community members during a hearing last month looking at potential traffic impact of the project. The traffic issues largely stem from the project’s proposed motor court on South Santa Monica Boulevard. Currently, about 1,400 cars an hour pass along that corridor, while estimates show that the mixed-use hotel and retail development would draw an additional 235 cars an hour.
The Courier notes that the planning commissioners have asked for a redesign of the motor court, which would require LVMH to modify the building design, possibly reducing the size of retail, restaurant or other amenities. Additionally, most public comments raised objections to the size of the proposed nine-story building.
And it’s not just residential neighbors voicing concern. A number of luxury retailers—including non-LVMH brands Hermès, Giorgio Armani and Chanel—have voiced objections to the plans. Their concerns center around a proposed change to the alley currently used to serve VIP clients. The Courier notes that the retailers have also asked for assurances that they will be protected or compensated for interruptions caused by building construction.
The hotel plans call for a tiered roof line, restaurants, multiple pool decks and a private club. Set to take up the entire south side of Little Santa Monica Boulevard, between Beverly Drive and Rodeo, the hotel will occupy the former Brooks Brothers store and the former site of the Paley Center. Architect Peter Marino is helming the project, rendering seen above,
All in, the cost of the land purchases reportedly sailed north of $300 million.
No news on which, if any, of LVMH’s 75 brands could occupy retail space in the new hotel, but you won’t have to travel far to shop. LVMH is also planning to expand it’s footprint along Rodeo Boulevard in pretty major fashion.
Construction on the hotel is expected to take three years.