Metro is in the early stages of planning a northern extension for the K Line, which would create a new subterranean light rail line stretching from West Adams to Hollywood. Three north-south alignments are under consideration as well as an option to extend to Hollywood Bowl. While the alignment will ultimately be chosen by the Metro Board, the Conservancy is concerned about four potential demolitions in Hollywood and one in West Hollywood.

The project will receive funding from Measure M, but was originally scheduled to break ground in 2041. The City of West Hollywood has asked Metro to accelerate this timeline, and has offered to pursue new funding and financing mechanisms.

Although three alignments are currently under consideration, the four buildings at risk of demolition are located at the intersection of Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave., and would be impacted in all three alignments. The sites would be used for new stations and construction staging. The buildings include:

• 6806 Hollywood Boulevard
• Rexall Drug Store, Lee Drug Company (6800 Hollywood Boulevard)
• Bank of America (6780 Hollywood Boulevard)
• Hollywood Theatre (6766 Hollywood Boulevard)

All four buildings are contributors to the Hollywood Boulevard Commercial and Entertainment District, which was listed in the National Register in 1984. Over the last 40 years, a number of original contributors in the district have been demolished or significantly altered, and new non-contextual infill approved. The Conservancy believes that four additional demolitions could impair the integrity of the district as a whole, making it no longer eligible for National Register listing.

The Conservancy is asking Metro to identify and select a preservation-based approach in the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which would preserve and adaptively reuse one of the targeted historic buildings as the proposed station entrance. We believe this is the most preservation appropriate and sustainable option. We’re requesting a similar approach be identified for the Santa Palm Car Wash in West Hollywood, which could be potentially be demolished in the one of the alignments.

We can achieve both preservation and transit goals. The Conservancy, along with other partner organizations, are urging Metro to refine the project to respect Hollywood and West Hollywood’s heritage.