New 210-room Hilton proposed for downtown Burbank

A Florida-based developer has submitted a proposal to build a six-story, 210-room Hilton hotel in downtown Burbank, city officials said.

At roughly 40,000 square feet, the proposed Hilton Garden Inn for the corner of South San Fernando Boulevard and Verdugo Avenue would replace an existing retail building, auto repair shop and an auto sales lot.

According to the application submitted by FPG Development Group, the hotel would include a restaurant and bar in the lobby, and a pool and fitness center on the second floor.

The design features streetscape and landscape improvements to highlight the walking culture of the area.

“This development will help continue the retail, dining, and residential feel of the area to the northwest and contribute to the revitalization of this portion of San Fernando Blvd.,” the developer said in its application.

City officials are reviewing the proposal to make sure it conforms with codes and regulations, said Deputy City Planner Patrick Prescott.

A hotel of its size requires 210 parking spaces, but the proposal includes 168 parking spaces, which means the developer will need to secure a variance from the Planning Board.

Prescott said developers could argue that many people arrive to hotels from the airport in taxis, or that not all 210 rooms will be occupied at once.

The Planning Board will also have to vote on a conditional use permit for alcohol sales in the lounge, which will be mainly for hotel guests, Prescott said.

The developer has 10 months to obtain the necessary approvals, according to its website.

-- Alene Tchekmedyian, Times Community News

Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek.