From Department Store to Dynamic Hub: The Transformation of Beverly Hills' Iconic Saks Site

Beverly Hills is embarking on a significant redevelopment project at 9600 Wilshire Boulevard, transforming the site of the iconic Saks Fifth Avenue Women's Building into a vibrant mixed-use destination. This ambitious undertaking, known as the 9600 Wilshire Boulevard Specific Plan Project, is a direct response to the evolving landscape of retail and consumer demands.

A New Vision for an Underutilized Area

The project, spearheaded by HBC / Street-Works Development, aims to revitalize an approximately four-acre, multi-parcel site located south of Wilshire Boulevard, between South Bedford Drive and South Camden Drive. Currently, the area includes three commercial structures, an ancillary loading facility, and three surface parking lots, with a portion of South Peck Drive bisecting the site. The Saks Women’s Building, originally constructed in 1938, and its later additions (1939, 1947), have been identified as eligible for historic landmark status. The former Barneys New York building at 9570 Wilshire Boulevard, which now houses Saks Fifth Avenue retail operations, will be retained.

The redevelopment's core purpose is to transform this primarily vehicular zone, characterized by asphalted surface parking lots, into a pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use, compact, and friendly environment. The project is designed to respond to the reality that traditional retail department stores and office spaces have undergone substantial changes in physical space utilization due to shifting consumer and economic demands. The specific plan also seeks to ensure the structural stability, economic viability, and accessibility of existing landmark structures through rehabilitation. Without such adaptive reuse, there's a risk of long-term impacts to the historic building due to seismic activity or lack of maintenance.

A Diverse Mix of Uses and Public Amenities

The new plan allows for up to 642,000 square feet of total floor area, with a maximum aggregate Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 3.7. The site will be divided into two districts: the Wilshire Boulevard District and the Neighborhood District.

• Wilshire Boulevard District: This area, fronting Wilshire Boulevard, will feature a mix of uses including retail, restaurants, office spaces, hospitality, a social club, and a boutique hotel. The Saks Women’s Building will be rehabilitated and adaptively reused for various purposes, including a boutique hotel, spa, and social/membership club. New buildings on Parcel A and Parcel B will accommodate commercial, retail, and residential units. Building heights in this district can reach a maximum of 98 feet.
• Neighborhood District: Located south of the Wilshire Boulevard District, this area will focus on multi-family residential units (up to 70 total) and small shop/boutique retail, with a maximum building height of 78 feet.

A key enhancement is the creation of new public open spaces:

• The Via: A privately owned, multi-purpose accessway that connects South Bedford Drive and South Peck Drive, accommodating both vehicles and pedestrians. It will provide access to commercial loading areas, pick-up/drop-off zones, and subterranean parking, also serving adjacent small shop and boutique retail uses.
• The Terrace: A pedestrian-only mini-park serving as an entrance to retail uses in the Neighborhood East subarea, connecting South Peck Drive and South Camden Drive with outdoor seating. Both the Via and the Terrace may be temporarily closed for events.

All project parking will be located in a new four-level subterranean structure, providing up to 744 spaces (501 for commercial, 243 for residential), replacing former surface lots. An additional 50 parking spaces will be made available to nearby residents for free during off-peak hours and weekends.

Addressing Community Concerns and Sustainability

Public input has been a crucial part of the planning process, with concerns raised about increased traffic, pedestrian risks, noise, air quality, construction duration, and building height. In response, the project includes several conditions and mitigation measures:

• Limiting rooftop pool depth to four feet.
• Restricting rooftop noise and hours.
• Directing traffic to Wilshire Boulevard.
• Establishing a 'Community Engagement Committee' for ongoing dialogue.
• Requiring a continuous 15-foot minimum height landscaped buffer along South Drive's southern edge.
• Implementing a Construction Noise Management Plan and a Construction Vibration Monitoring Program, overseen by qualified professionals, to reduce impacts.
• Requiring advance written notification to residents and property owners for any alley or street closures.
• Committing to sustainability practices, including achieving at least LEED Silver V4.1 certification, utilizing greywater reuse systems for irrigation, and planting drought-tolerant trees.

The construction is anticipated to begin in late 2025 and span approximately 50 months, completing in 2029.

This comprehensive redevelopment signifies Beverly Hills' proactive approach to urban planning, adapting to economic shifts while preserving historical elements and enhancing the community's quality of life through thoughtful design, diverse amenities, and improved pedestrian environments. The project is expected to generate additional annual tax revenues and create new employment opportunities, further bolstering the City's economic base and reinforcing its status as a premier destination.