Bunker Hill Nightclub Project Gets Zoning OK
A controversial proposal to build a $20-million entertainment center in the downtown World Trade Center passed a major hurdle Friday when a city zoning official ruled in favor of the project.
Associate Zoning Administrator James J. Crisp granted Haseko California Inc., which owns the World Trade Center, a conditional-use permit to develop several restaurants and a nightclub in the Bunker Hill office-retail complex.
About 150 residents of the adjacent Bunker Hill Towers apartments had opposed the nightclub, to be called L.A. Ric’s, which would be built on two levels and combine restaurants, dance floors, bars and games.
The residents said they feared the operation would create too much noise, attract drug users and drunks and cause security problems on the surrounding streets and the pedestrian bridge that links the apartment towers with the trade center.
Crisp imposed several conditions addressing those concerns, such as requiring security guards on the bridge at night, providing patrons with at least two hours of free parking and barring in and out privileges for customers of L.A. Ric’s.
The zoning official also banned outside dining operations, which effectively quashes a plan to include a patio restaurant in L.A. Ric’s. The patio is located about 300 feet from the south tower of the Bunker Hill apartment complex, and residents had feared noise from late-night diners.
“That is a very definite victory” for the residents, said Hugh Spilsbury, president of the Bunker Hill Towers Tenants Assn. “But does it mean we would dissolve our concerns? Not totally.”
Spilsbury said he would discuss with association members whether to appeal the zoning decision.
The next step for Haseko and the operator of L.A. Ric’s, Rick E. Iceberg, is to apply for liquor licenses. The Los Angeles Police Department is expected to oppose the license, believing that the complex might attract drunks and other criminal elements.
Haseko officials said the proposed entertainment complex will bring much-needed life to downtown, which is still struggling to become a vibrant, 24-hour urban center. Bunker Hill residents are divided on the project, with those opposed saying they do not want to lose the quiet atmosphere of their neighborhood of high-rise office buildings and condominiums.
