Longstanding plans to redevelop the shuttered Fairfax Theatre with housing and commercial uses are showing signs of progress.
The Beverly Press reports that Alex Gorby, who has owned the property at 7901 W. Beverly Boulevard for decades, has submitted plans to the L.A. Department of Building and Safety to develop a six-story, 71-unit apartment complex on the former theater site. The project would also feature approximately 10,780 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and a four-level, 228-car subterranean parking garage.
View looking northwest from Fairfax AvenueHoward Laks Architects
Designed by Howard Laks Architects, the design for the new apartment complex is described as having "a contemporary interpretation of the original Art Deco theater facade." Besides housing and commercial uses, the building would also feature a rooftop pool and a recreation center.
The Beverly Press reports that Gorby intends to break ground as soon as possible, with a March 2024 deadline to begin work looming on the horizon.
7901 W Beverly BoulevardGoogle Street View
The Fairfax Theatre, completed in 1930, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the roster of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments since 2021. However, project entitlements for the apartment complex were approved in 2012, predating the historic designations. While this allows the project to move forward without more stringent review in the short term, the historic designations may come into play should the project not receive permits prior to the 2024 deadline.
The project site sits directly across the intersection of Beverly Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue from Television City, where Hackman Capital Partners is planning a $1.25-billion redevelopment which will add new offices and soundstages to the 25-acre complex.
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