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MEDIA DISTRICT
Begins City of LA Required
BID Renewal Process
February 24, 2014
The Hollywood Media District BID is up for its renewal this year, as required by the City of LA. The BID, originally established in 2000, has many times over proven its effectiveness in creating change for the better.
Over these past 14 years, the BID’s Security Officers have patrolled the area looking out for everyone’s safety, trashcans have been placed and maintained throughout, and over 600 new street trees have been planted and there will be more to come. Also, new landscaped street medians have been constructed along Highland Ave., streets and sidewalks are being properly maintained, and other such infrastructure improvements have been made to the area.
The Media District is a 40 square block area that includes well over 200 individual commercial property owners and includes studios, production companies, entertainment related businesses and office spaces, theatres, restaurants, and shops. The BID’s mission is to bring back and to sustain this area so that:
– Studios can attract more television, film, and commercial productions.
– Production and post production firms can prosper and expand.
– Local restaurants and shops can thrive.
– The theatre district becomes a thriving hub of live theater productions.
– The area is safe and pleasant for employees who work in it, visitors to it, and the residents around it.
But the BID’s work is not done, and with your continuing support we are looking forward to a successful renewal this year. A renewal allowing the BID to continue to help property and business owners prosper.
TIMELINE FOR RENEWAL
In the first quarter of this year all property owners within the current boundaries and the proposed expansion areas for the BID will receive a petition. This petition is to verify property owners’ support, and a greater than 50% majority of all total assessments is required to successfully move the renewal process forward to an official ballot vote. This is the first critical step and it will be very important that owners sign the petition and return it.
In the second quarter of this year and once the City Clerk’s Office has verified all petitions, the official ballot will be mailed out to all property owners. This ballot ultimately determines property owner support to renew the BID. Once all ballot votes are counted and the LA City Council approves the Media District’s renewal, the City Clerk’s Office will update their data files. This renewal will go until 2024, when again the BID will be required to renew.
Newest “Hollywood Production Center”
Opens at 6350 Santa Monica Blvd.
October 18, 2013
Rendering of Hollywood Production Center in renovated building at corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Lillian Way.
Hollywood Production Centers (HPC) has now opened their newest location in the Media District located at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd. and Lillian Way. After extensive renovations were made to the long empty building, the new HPC incorporates contemporary office space design and spa-like amenities for entertainment industry businesses.
With three other locations, two in Glendale and the original facility located at 1149 N. Gower St., HPC now has more than 10 years experience in offering all-inclusive turnkey office space to the entertainment industry.
This newest Hollywood Production Center offers offices and adaptable suites designed to accommodate almost every need, with an extensive list of services and amenities that include: gated 24 hour security; office furnishings; available communal conference rooms and separate copier rooms; a café and salon; valet service and a car wash; a fully equipped gym with lockers and showers; a personal trainer and even a masseuse! For more information go to: hollywoodpc.com
Historic Hollywood Home of Eastman Kodak Sold
July 03, 2013
The Eastman Kodak Co. site consisted of the original building built in the 1920s along Santa Monica Blvd., and another larger building behind it built in 1994. The gated property covers nearly one entire square block.
The Hollywood home of Eastman Kodak Co. located on Santa Monica Blvd. at Las Palmas Ave. has been purchased by developers Lincoln Property Co. Future plans for the two-building campus-like complex are to turn it into smaller office sites and studios for creative businesses. At the purchase price of $24.5 million, Lincoln Properties plan to make about $5 million worth of renovations to the gated former Kodak compound.
The Hollywood location for the Eastman Kodak Co. dates back to the early days of the movie industry. In the late 1920s, Eastman Kodak scientists working there helped develop the first motion picture film specifically designed for movies with audio.
TELEVISION CENTER
Building for the Future,
Expansion and Parking Structure
April 05, 2013
Currently Television Center, located at 6311 Romaine St., has over 163,000 sq. ft. with creative and traditional workspaces. The original building was built in the 1920s by the Technicolor Corporation, and it was a grand statement in the emerging Art Deco style of the day. Also when the building was the Technicolor Corporation, it was the primary Hollywood business that provided film producers color processing through the 1950s. Today, fully restored and well maintained, Television Center is home to creative production and technical services companies, to artists, photographers, film labs, casting agents, and Hollywood’s Gold’s Gym.
BID Services Keep Your Property
and Business Clean and Safe
February 21, 2012
Highland Ave. looking north from Melrose Ave.
Also, the Media District contracts with Universal Protection Services (UPS) to provide Security Patrols within the BID. These patrols are by foot, on bicycles, and in the Media District’s security vehicle. Patroling security officers are present throughout the District 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If needed, they can be directly contacted by calling 323.871.4150.
If you are having any problems keeping your property or business clean and safe – trash dumped or graffiti, suspicious or nuisance individuals coming onto your property or into your business – please consider completing two very important forms that can help. These forms are: a “Trespass Authorization” form and a “Graffiti Paint Out Agreement” form.
The first form is a “Trespass Authorization” that gives permission to Officers of the LAPD and the Media District to come on to your property and exercise enforcement of your No Trespassing signage. (Please note, you must have No Trespassing signs posted.)
The second form is a “Graffiti Paint Out Agreement” that allows HBT to come on to your property and paint out tagging and graffiti. Also, upon request they will accept paint from property owners and businesses in order to match your existing colors.
To obtain these Authorization and Agreement forms, or to request any other services within the BID, please contact Jim Omahen, Operations Manager for the Media District at 323.860.0088 or email jim@mediadistrict.org .
A Bit About BIDs
January 22, 2014
A business improvement district (BID) is a defined area within which commercial property owners pay an additional assessment in order to fund improvements within the district's boundaries. BIDs may go by other names, such as business improvement area, business revitalization zone, community improvement district, special services area, or special improvement district. BIDs provide services, such as cleaning streets, providing security, making capital improvements, and marketing the area. The services provided by BIDs are supplemental to those already provided by the local municipality.
The first BID was the Bloor West Village BIA, which was established in Toronto in 1970. The first BID in the United States was the Downtown Development District in New Orleans in 1974. BIDs have been established around the world, including in New Zealand, South Africa, Jamaica, Serbia, Albania, Germany, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. A study in 2007 found 739 BIDs worldwide, but current estimates are that there are well over 1000 BIDs in the United States alone.
Legislation is necessary to permit local governments to create BIDs. The process for creating a BID varies from one jurisdiction to another, but generally three steps are involved. First, some number of property owners in the area organize and petition the local government to create the BID. Second, the local government determines that a majority of property owners, usually done by a vote, want the BID. Third, the local government enacts legislation creating the BID. Residences and some governmental entities are usually exempt from making any contributions, and the operating budgets of BIDs range from a few thousand dollars to tens of millions of dollars.
A BID may be operated by a nonprofit organization or by a quasi-governmental entity. The governance of a BID is the responsibility of a board of directors composed of some combination of property owners or their designated representatives. The management of a BID is the job of a paid administrator usually called an executive director or a management company and often other managing staff.
BIDs have also become a powerful lobby group, lobbying government for improvements such as new sidewalks, trees, park benches and other restorations. BIDs can also lobby different levels of government for a complete facelift on their area if they feel it is necessary. BIDs have been created in situations where neither the private sector nor government can adequately provide needed changes or services for the betterment of a specific area.
There are four BIDs in Hollywood: Hollywood Media District, Hollywood Entertainment District, the Hollywood & Vine Business Improvement District, and the East Hollywood Business Improvement District.
Media District Dining Guide
December 16, 2013
With an upscale atmosphere and an air of sophistication, AMMO has been located on Highland Avenue since 1996. With a full bar, AMMO is a great place for lunch or dinner. www.ammocafe.com
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Chinese Express, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd.
Inexpensive chinese food, good combo deals available.
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Crown of India, 6755 Santa Monica Blvd.
Come see why people are flocking to this authentic Indian eatery! Amazing food with great lunch specials keep this place bustling.
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Eat This Café, 6547 Santa Monica Blvd.
Offering seasonal sandwiches, fresh salads, and panini in an eclectic space in the heart of the Media District. Also lemon bars and peanut butter cookies for your sweet indulgences. Lunch and dinner daily, serving brunch on Sat-Sun 9am to 3pm, and catering available.
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Grub, 911 Seward St.
Serving up California Comfort Food with a side of sass and a quirky and inviting atmosphere! Now open for lunch or dinner everyday, plus weekend brunch on Sat-Sun (and also now serving wine and beer). www.grub-la.com
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The Hollywood Corner, 1156 Highland Ave.
This place has a little of everything, including wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, an amazing breakfast menu, beer and wine, and red velvet mini-cakes to die for! Sign up for their loyalty program and get 15% off your meal. callthecorner.com
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Jack in the Box, 1243 N. Highland Ave.
Fast food with an eclectic menu - everything from salads to burgers, to egg rolls and tacos. Drive-thru open late. www.jackinthebox.com
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Little India Restaurant, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd.
Serving up traditional Indian cuisine for lunch and dinner. Offering a terrific all you can eat lunch buffet. Also offering catering for your next event.
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Marino Ristorante, 6001 Melrose Ave.
This family owned business has been serving up the finest traditional Italian food for nearly thirty years. With an upscale atmosphere and a great wine list. Serving lunch and diner. marinorestaurant.net
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Rao’s Italian Restaurant, 1006 Seward St.
With locations in New York’s East Harlem and inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, this Southern Neapolitan family-style upscale eatery is now open in the Media District. Serving dinner Monday through Friday only, with a full bar. Reservations recommended, 323.962.7267. raosla.com
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Shakey's Pizza, 7001 Santa Monica Blvd.
Known for their large buffet, Shakey’s is a favorite lunch time spot for many employees in the District. Mojo Potatoes are just one of the highlights here. www.shakeys.com
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Subway, 6775 Santa Monica Blvd.
A healthy alternative to fast food, who doesn't love a Subway sandwich? www.subway.com
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Mud Hen Tavern, 742 Highland Ave.
Chef Susan Feniger and Executive Chef and partner Kajsa Alger have reinvented the former STREET with refurbishing the space. Also they have an expanded bar with a draft beer system. For reservations or more information go to mudhentavern.com or call 323.203.0500.
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Taqueria La Pinata, 6751 Santa Monica Blvd.
This taco stand, formerly Benitos and more recently Hoagie's and Wings, is now operated by the same folks that run the Crown of India Restaurant directly behind it. So expect the same quality food and service but with a latin flavor!
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Tasty Thai Restaurant, 718 N. Vine St.
Great lunch specials at this hole-in-the-wall asian eatery.
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Trois Mec, 716 N. Highland Ave.
Simple but interesting with an open-kitchen interior and offering an exclusively French wine list. Pre-paid ticket reservations only, serving one nightly 5-course dinner Mondays through Fridays only. troismec.com
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Xiomara Restaurant, 6101 Melrose Ave.
A favorite of the Media District Board of Directors, this exotic restaurant features Cuban-inspired food and a full bar where you would think the mojito was born. Great lunch specials, too! www.xiomararestaurant.com
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Yoshinoya, 6300 Santa Monica Blvd.
Home of the Beef Bowl, Yoshinoya is fast food with a Japanese twist. Drive through available, open late. www.yoshinoyausa.com
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Did we miss you? We aimed to include every restaurant within the boundaries of our District, so please let us know if we failed to include something. Email Jim Omahen, jim@mediadistrict.org with your information.