Sunset Plaza Unveils Plans for Iconic Glass Orb on Sunset Strip

Sunset Plaza, a property owner from Atwater Village led by Ara Tavitian, has unveiled ambitious plans to bring a five-story, gleaming glass sphere to life along the iconic Sunset Strip. This striking project, dubbed "The Sphere on Sunset," is set to replace a cafe, newsstand, and a few video screens at 8410 Sunset Boulevard. The proposed glass orb, standing at an impressive 49 feet tall, is generating buzz as it prepares for review by the Planning Commission design committee and Sunset Arts & Advertising Subcommittee on November 9.

A Unique Entertainment Hub

"The Sphere on Sunset" aspires to be a unique "broadcast venue," adorned with vibrant LED digital displays, poised to overlook a bustling pedestrian plaza. This one-of-a-kind structure will serve as a hybrid digital billboard and broadcast center, offering a reception area and a green room on its lower floors, while housing podcast and other production facilities upstairs. The upper level will include a partially enclosed roof terrace, providing the public with a delightful viewing area. At ground level, the plaza will feature an overlook next to the apartments, offering stunning views of the Los Angeles basin.

A First for West Hollywood

Designed by Saee Studio, a local firm, this project marks a first for West Hollywood, integrating billboards and buildings in an unprecedented way. "The Sphere" promises to be more than just a drive-by attraction; it's poised to become a destination, enticing foot traffic to the new plaza and interactive broadcast center. The city of West Hollywood has expressed openness to the glass sphere, but they have recommended that the building maintain a clearance of at least 12 feet from the plaza, prioritizing public accessibility.

Led by Visionary Ara Tavitian

Sunset Plaza LLC, the driving force behind this innovative project, is under the leadership of Dr. Ara Tavitian, a physician and the founder of Kanon Ventures, a private equity firm also located in Atwater Village. Dr. Tavitian has made significant strides in the real estate world, securing a $150 million loan for the proposed $1.2 billion redevelopment of The Reef, a massive property in South Los Angeles. Despite concerns about gentrification, he envisions transforming The Reef into a towering skyscraper, complete with a 208-room hotel, 1,444 condominiums and apartments, and 67,000 square feet of shops and restaurants.

A Legacy of Ambitious Developments

Dr. Tavitian is no stranger to ambitious projects; he has already invested $17.6 million in three electronic billboards visible from the 10 and 110 freeways. In 2020, he and The Reef were linked to a bribery scandal involving former L.A. City Councilman Jose Huizar. Notably, no specific charges were ever filed against Dr. Tavitian or his development firm, highlighting his commitment to shaping the city's landscape through innovative ventures.