Council Says Yes to Entertainment Shuttle, New Windows on PDC Green Building

West Hollywood got the go ahead from City Council Monday to launch an "" service and the Pacific Design Center got approval to change the windows on its Green Building.

The PDC petitioned the council to replace the existing single clear windows on the Green Building with a ribbon of “vision glass” windows on each floor to match the windows on the adjacent Red Building currently under construction.

Since the council designated the PDC as a “cultural resource” in 2003, any changes to the building must be approved by the city. When the PDC petitioned the Historic Preservation Commission for that permission, the commission had a 3-3 tie vote, meaning no action was taken. The PDC then appealed that decision to the council.

Several people spoke against the matter, saying the windows are part of the unique character of the Green Building. However, Councilman John Heilman said the size, color and shape were what made the building significant, not the windows.

As the original architect indicated his support for changing the windows of the Green Building, the council gave their unanimous support to the alteration.

The council also unanimously approved creation of an “entertainment shuttle” to carry people to various nightlife venues in the city. Mayor John Duran, who initiated the idea, said he envisioned a shuttle that does a loop through Boystown and the Sunset Strip, thereby reducing congestion and drunk driving.

Heilman said that in the mid-90s, the city ran a similar nighttime shuttle, but it suffered from perceptions of being public transportation. He said it would be necessary to market this new shuttle as more of a party bus. Duran echoed that sentiment saying, “if it’s fun and free, they might use it.”

Heilman also advised that it is important to determine the target audience: locals or people who drive in for the nightlife and adjust marketing efforts accordingly.

City staff will now explore options for creation of the shuttle and report back to the council in a few months.

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