The West Hollywood City Council has voted 4–1 to advance the Bond Hotel and Residences, a mixed‑use development at 7811 Santa Monica Boulevard, despite strong opposition from some residents.
The development by Faring Capital will span three lots and include a seven‑story hotel and a four‑story apartment building along Orange Grove Avenue and Ogden Drive, the Beverly Press Park La Brea News reported. Because it incorporates 12 housing units — including 10 moderate‑income and 10 low‑income apartments — it qualifies for exemption from local zoning under California’s housing density laws, limiting the city’s ability to block it.
In a council meeting on April 6, residents brought several reasons to oppose the project. The site currently houses Brick, an LGBTQ+‑owned fitness center that will have to relocate. Nearby Fountain Day School raised safety concerns about student drop‑offs and the sudden closure of a long‑used public parking lot adjacent to the property, which staff said occurred after the school sought a cultural resource designation for the site. Co‑Director Tori Hatch called the closure “irresponsible and dangerous,” citing the lack of notice and safe alternatives for families.
Faring Capital defended its record. Senior Vice President Jake Stevens said the company had met repeatedly with the school’s owners and offered concessions — crossing guards, screening and demolition sequencing — to mitigate construction impacts. He argued the redevelopment represents the property’s “highest and best use” after 17 years as a temporary surface parking lot.
Council Member Lauren Meister cast the lone vote supporting the appeal, warning that overriding zoning rules could weaken the city’s negotiating power on future projects.
Mayor John Heilman and other council members acknowledged design concerns but said state law preempts local authority.
In a separate motion, Meister introduced a new developer‑transparency measure requiring applicants to disclose their track record on prior projects. Faring Capital, based in West Hollywood and run by Jason Illoulian, currently has the stalled French Market and Robertson Lane projects in the city. The firm also has holdings in Beverly Hills, Long Beach and San Bernardino County.
– Joel Russell
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