On March 17, the Architectural Commission held a Regular Meeting during which Commissioners reviewed the preliminary draft design standards for the Connect Beverly Hills streetscape plan. The project establishes aesthetic guidelines for the public right-of-way and the development of new sidewalk designs and pedestrian amenities in advance of the opening of the subway. At the meeting, the Commissioners weighed in on transit shelters, trash cans, street lighting and more. The design recommendations discussed will be incorporated into rebuilding the public sidewalks around the two Metro stations under construction–Wilshire/La Cienega and Wilshire/Rodeo stations–as well as other future streetscape projects. The city’s Transportation Planner and Project Manager, Jessie Holzer, also presented the findings of a design survey that sought input from the community on amenities they would like to see incorporated.
“The community wanted design standard that made the streetscape feel a little more modern, a little more refreshed but still represent that classic and historic Beverly Hills vibe,” Holzer said at the meeting. The findings from the survey indicated that the majority of respondents wanted to see an “organic” feel to the streetscape with sustainable elements that mimic natural forms, and would prioritize passenger drop-off and pickup, bike parking and wayfinding designs.
