Beverly Hills Greenlights Cheval Blanc

The rollercoaster that is LVMH’s takeover of Rodeo Drive passed a major hump with news that the Beverly Hills City Council finally approved plans for Hotel Cheval Blanc.

Earlier this year, LVMH announced plans to redevelop a sizable chunk of Rodeo Drive with the development of Hotel Cheval Blanc Beverly Hills—a 115 room, nine story property within Beverly Hills’ so-called Golden Triangle. However, the luxury retailer asked the city to halt its review of the plans back in March following several concerns raised by the city and community members during a hearing 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 city’s planning commissioners also 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.

A number of luxury retailers—including non-LVMH brands Hermès, Giorgio Armani and Chanel—also 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.

Now, Urbanize is reporting the developers received the city’s blessing, noting that an earlier approximated timeline for the project stands, with the property to be built over a 38-month period commencing concluding in 2026.

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. Per a staff report to the City Council, rooms are expected to start at approximately $1,167 per night to as much as $20,600 for the penthouse.