The much-debated project to build towers on either side of the newly refurbished Capitol Records Building in Los Angeles has been moving forward. First proposed in 2011, this controversial construction project was finally approved by the Los Angeles City Council in 2013. Interestingly, the lone council member against the project could not attend the formal vote. Some neighborhood groups also opposed the project for various reasons including the following misgivings.

• Increased traffic unable to be handled efficiently.
• Seismic issues because of the earthquake frequency.
• Potential increase in the crime rate.
• New towers will have too many stories, adding to the earthquake risk and harming the aesthetic beauty of the area, including shadowing the distinctive round Capitol Records structure.

The tallest buildings in the Hollywood Boulevard area are at or slightly above 20 stories. The new towers are to be 39 and 35 stories tall, which would dwarf the 13-story iconic Capitol Records "Tower," which originally opened in 1956. The developers reduced the original height of their project to accommodate city council and neighborhood group opposition to the over-500 foot heights originally proposed. Seismic building laws and the potent seismic zar should create buildings that better withstand the effects of small-to-moderate earthquakes. According to The Hollywood Reporter and the LA Times, the major Capitol Records rehab included no seismic retrofits, since it's withstood multiple earthquakes in its history. If you contemplate a complex commercial or hospitality project in the western US, please contact Ed LaCivita or Craig Sullivan at Parkwest General Contractors. These experienced professionals will help you navigate the turbulent waters of new construction or major rehab commercial projects.