Granted, he let the Beverly Hilton grow tattered and worn. And the new owner's renovations are a welcome change. But Merv Griffin would have never, ever let Trader Vic's be demolished.
A Beverly Hills institution, Trader Vic's is in danger of losing its longtime Beverly Hilton home (where it opened in 1955). The LA Business Journal reports (by way of LA Observed) that "Beny Alagem, who paid $130 million for the 569-room hotel two years ago from entertainment mogul Merv Griffin, wants to knock-down Trader Vic’s Restaurant and Bar, the executive conference center, the Oasis Court and the hotel’s 514-space parking garage."
The details:
On those sites Alagem would build two 13-story buildings containing 96 condominiums, a 104-unit, 15-story condo hotel and 96 hotel rooms in two 3-story structures. The hotel’s parking would be put underground and increased to 1,422 spaces, to meet Beverly Hills’ codes.
A price tag for the project – which also includes a remodeled pool and traffic improvements – wasn’t included in the report, but sources said the final cost could be in the $200 million range.
The hotel, and its ballroom in particular, has gained international prominence as the home of the Golden Globe Awards and other entertainment industry events.
Though the main 353-room, 8-story tower designed by noted architect Welton Beckett would remain, the plans would result in a net reduction of 96 hotel rooms.
Sure, Trader Vic's has seen better days. But it's still a fun, kitsch-filled place to meet and have a cheesy drink. We spent one New Year's Eve there, and had a great time.
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