A significant change has been made in the redevelopment of West Hollywood's landmark Viper Room as an originally-planned design from Morphosis has been nixed in favor of a more conservative scheme from Miami-based Arquitectonica.
The previous design team had originally anticipated breaking ground on a much-maligned twin-volume scheme this year with an end date expected for 2025. As of now, there is no word as to a cause for the change in direction from Silver Creek Development Co. available to the press.
Updated plans reveal a more colorful, pared-down design that is more in keeping with other commercial and residential developments located along WeHo's 8- and 9000 blocks of Sunset Boulevard. The new 12-story building features a lively rooftop space atop a mixed-used program defined by a south-facing setback and terraced facade with LED-lit mesh window coverings and a host of native biophilic elements to boot.
The development will include 26 market-rate units in addition to a flexible 3,000-square-foot event space and eight other residences that are income-restricted. Its ground level offers four different restaurants as well as an improved sidewalk area that is activated by the incorporation of a modern reimagining of the original nightclub, which also features a recording studio.
The plot is perhaps best known as the site of actor River Phoenix’s tragic 1993 overdose death and had previously been under the ownership of Johnny Depp, who sold his shares in 2004 in a settlement related to the disappearance of co-owner Anthony Fox three years before. The club has changed hands several times since, most recently falling into the auspices of Silver Creek, which announced Morphosis as their original design team in 2018.
Arquitectonica’s design will eventually be joined by Gensler’s forthcoming West Hollywood Arts Club. An updated construction timeline for 8850 Sunset Blvd has yet to be released. Archinect will share more updates on the development as they are made available.
8 Comments
I really miss early '80s era Arquitectonica.
damn yeah
Arquitectonica's trajectory was so strange - it went from an avant garde firm with a distinctive style to a regional giant that now happily pumps out copies of other practices' projects.
Not very Viper-y. As an outside observer I rather regret this. The Morphosis was genuinely wild.
The Spear House is not only striking off the bat, but in its totality (spatial manipulation and sequencing in plan, section, and elevation, plus those colors!) taught me so much about architectural design when I was a pup.
Would have been cool to see the Morphosis design, though they're heavy on the CCP juice which is abhorrent.
Morphosis’ project looks to be have been inspired by Zaha Hadid’s Port House in Antwerp Belgium. It is sad (but not surprising) that the amazing design by Morphosis has been replaced by such a boring run of the mill building. That site really deserved better.
I can't wait to see the new project by Arquitectonica (best seen in the rear view mirror at a 100 mph)
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