Later this week, the West Hollywood Planning Commission is scheduled to take up the proposed conversion of the Sunset Strip's historic Piazza del Sol from offices to a 34-room hotel.

Built in 1927 at 8439 Sunset Boulevard, the five-story Italian Renaissance Revival structure began its life as a luxury apartment house known as Hacienda Arms.  After falling into disrepair, the building was gutted by a fire in 1983 and was later transformed into office space.

Mani Brothers Real Estate Group, the owner of the 91-year-old landmark, proposes to transform the structure's upper levels into 34 guest rooms while retaining an existing ground-floor restaurant.  The proposed improvements would include a rehabilitation of Piazza del Sol's facade, as well as the activation of its rooftop with a new lounge and pool deck.

Ralph Gentile Architects is designing the proposed reuse of the building, which would involve the restoration of the building's south-, east-, and west-facing facades, including reconstruction of the windows and doors removed in the 1983 alteration.

The project has received the support of the West Hollywood Historic Preservation Commission, and a staff report recommends that the Planning Commission vote to approve the proposed conversion.

Directly across the street from Piazza del Sol, construction is now underway for the $240-million Pendry Hotel & Residences, which is bringing a hotel and branded condominiums to a site which formerly housed a House of Blues nightclub.