The city council voted unanimously on Thursday to advance its proposal to open a visitor information center and public toilets in Hollywood, indicating officials are saying it will be the area’s first public toilet.
On a 13-0 vote, council members allowed the General Services Department to negotiate and execute the city-owned property at 1627 Vine St.
“…Today, we’re going to approve whether we believe it will be Hollywood’s first public bathroom,” said Councillor Hugo Soto Martinez, who represents the Hollywood area.
According to the councillor, he expects the project to be completed “years or so.”
The Hollywood Walk of Fame Public Amenities project is expected to provide toilets and a concierge visitor information centre. During opening hours, staff will be available to assist visitors and so-called cleaning and safety ambassadors.
The facility is operated by the Los Angeles Department of Transport and includes ground level retail space that has been vacant for several years.
The city issued a request for a space proposal in 2017, but no response was received. In 2018, an unsolicited offer for a one-year lease collapsed.
With the Hollywood Walk of Fame around the corner, city officials turned the facility into a hub of visitors and tried to address the basic needs of barren people.
Social service providers, nearby residents, businesses and property owners have expressed strong support for such projects.
In March 2023, Hollywood Partnership Ventures strengthened and proposed the solution as an affiliate of the Hollywood Partnership Community Trust, nonprofit organizations, and the Management Entity of the Hollywood Entertainment District Business Improvement District.
The proposed lease matches the terms of the Hollywood Entertainment District Bidding Agreement, which is valid until December 31, 2028.
According to a report from the General Services Department, HPCT is responsible for all expenses related to the construction of the project.
Los Angeles is expected to provide $1 million through what is known as the City of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) community redevelopment agency for excess bond income.
These bonds are endemic to address withering, promote economic development, and improve public infrastructure within designated areas of the city.
Additionally, HPCT has secured an additional $500,000 from California to support design and construction operations.
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