Los Angeles City Council backs the Hilton Universal City hotel project
The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, Jan. 21, approved plans to expand Hilton Universal City Hotel with the construction of a 18-story building connecting to the main property and providing more amenities to guests.
In a unanimous vote, L.A. City Council members adopted a vesting zone change, height requirements, approved conditional use permits for the sale of alcohol on-site and live entertainment, and signed off on the final environmental impact review for the project.
There was no prior discussion.
According to City Planning documents, the project will add to the existing 24-story building, located at 555 E. Universal Hollywood Drive.
The planned 18-story building is set to provide 395 guest rooms, a spa, three restaurants, an indoor/outdoor bar, two pools, and a single-level lobby lounge/bar connecting to the main hotel.
Additionally, plans detail construction of a meeting room and a three-level parking garage.
In total, the 7.26-acre site will provide a total of 890 guest rooms and comprise 696,609 square feet of floor area.
The hotel expansion has been supported by some labor unions and local business chambers. One supporter is Paul Moreno, a member of Ironworkers Local 433, a labor union representing 5,000 workers in L.A., Las Vegas and surrounding areas.
Moreno urged council members to approve the project, which he says would benefit the union as a result of a labor agreement.
“This hotel will be built by local residents, veterans, apprentices, and folks who may need a second shot in life and who are starting their careers in the building and trades,” Moreno wrote in a communication to the city council.
In previous discussions, Los Angeles officials had raised concerns about the tourism and hotel industries as they continue to recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
With global events coming to the L.A. region such as the Super Bowl, eight games of the World Cup, and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, elected officials are seeking to maximize the benefits for residents and businesses.