The parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, HBC, has submitted revised plans for its 9600 Wilshire project. Originally proposed in 2022 to revitalize its Wilshire Boulevard properties, the revised plan reflects extensive community feedback. The project now features a smaller office building imprint while enhancing residential and pedestrian space. According to HBC, the proposed changes are also expected to result in a 35% reduction in peak morning traffic and a 15% decrease in evening trips.
The plan has always envisioned the continued operation of the Saks Fifth Avenue women’s store, which recently reopened at 9570 Wilshire Blvd. The historic Saks Fifth Avenue building will become a boutique hotel with a spa, social club and restaurant.
The initial plan included the addition of two new office buildings on Wilshire Boulevard and up to 70 apartments. However, after community stakeholders raised concerns about traffic and other issues, the plan was revised to reduce office square footage. Additional revisions include an increase in the number of housing units by eight; an expansion of public areas to create more pedestrian spaces and provide a better connection between Bedford and Peck drives, as well as improved vehicle circulation and parking.
“You are seeing 9600 Wilshire refined by feedback from more than 200 meetings with our neighbors in Beverly Hills. We have considered many of their suggestions, and the dialogue has helped us to improve our plan in a way that enlivens Wilshire Boulevard, improves traffic circulation in the area and creates new public spaces. We are looking forward to the next steps of the public process,” Douglas Adams, Senior Vice President of HBC-Streetworks Development, told the Courier.
