If you’ve ever wanted to do “donuts” in the dirt lot in downtown Culver City, you better hurry (I am in no way advocating that motorists violate the rules of the traffic code). If you’ve ever wanted to have a bonfire and roast marshmallows in front of the Culver Mansion, now’s your chance (or the ordinances of the municipal code).
The vacant lot at 9300 Culver Blvd., a.k.a., Parcel B, is slated for development. At last.
On Monday, the City Council (with the prodding of concerned residents and business leaders) decided it was time to make a decision and move forward. The council considered the merits of four development proposals: “Culver X” by the Tolkin Group, “Parc & Main” by Cardiff Realty Holdings, “Paseo” by Runyon Partners, and “9300 Culver Blvd.” by Combined Properties Inc./Hudson Pacific.
After much public input and internal discussion, the council selected the “9300 Culver Blvd.,” project, referred to as the “Combined” proposal.
My sense is that it was a wise selection that will suit the needs of the many and varied interests of the business- and community-minded interests of the city. Maybe most importantly, the plan calls for much-needed parking space. As some area residents will attest (and with a PowerPoint presentation, no less), the parking in downtown Culver City is at least a mess and quite possibly, a full-on atrocity.
For those who had hoped for a TV and film museum or a grand community garden, both of which I had previously suggested warranted discussion, it was not to be. Well, that’s democracy in action for you. To the victor go the spoils. And the spoils here are measured in square feet. The parcel of land at issue is essentially a gold mine. And like the gold rushes of yesteryear, it will attract a host of adventurous spirits who seek to prosper and grow rich(er). The extent to which the new project is a success will depend largely on who the tenants are that lease the available spaces at 9300 Culver Blvd. But one thing is certain – if you build it, they will come.