On one of the only remaining land parcels in Beverly Hills (once occupied by a Robinson’s May department store) will be erected more than 250 luxury condominiums –each ranging from 1,200 to 7,000 square feet (one bedroom units and four bedroom units, respectively) designed by American architect Richard Meier, and London interior design firm Candy & Candy Ltd. The condominiums will be housed in two buildings, each twelve stories tall. They are expected to boast spectacular views of the nearby scenery as well as the landscaping and décor pieces lining the property. The condos will be surrounded by town homes, as well as two additional loft buildings. A retail area will also be established. This project has come to be known as the 9900 Wilshire project.

The majority of the 9900 Wilshire land plot will consist of vegetation, landscaped by the premier landscape architects of the Olin partnership. Those entering Beverly Hills will be greeted with the lush greenery that engulfs the property, considering that the 9900 Wilshire site serves as the city’s western entrance. A public garden (that is relatively small in comparison to the size of the entire development) will also be constructed along Wilshire Blvd.

9900 Wilshire is expected to be very environmentally-friendly, with developers hoping to achieve a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold award – a certification awarded to buildings that are substantially more efficient in utilizing resources than comparable structures. The property will consume much less water and energy, while reducing greenhouse emissions. Developers have chosen to harness the location’s unique characteristics (including its optimal access to sunlight) to dampen the building’s need for additional resources.

Amenities are expected to be plentiful at 9900 Wilshire, with promises of private elevator, concierge, doorman, and valet services. The development will feature two pools, a fitness center, wine cellar, business center, and private screening rooms.

The 9900 Wilshire project has drawn a significant amount of criticism from Beverly Hills residents. Ambiguity surrounding the exact source of funding for the development, as well as its potential impact on the community has left residents feeling uneasy.

Many residents were initially concerned that the 9900 Wilshire project would spur the development of problems, such as increased traffic congestion and resource over-utilization. However, developers are painting a rather different picture, one that has relative merit. 9900 Wilshire developers project that the condos will increase net new city revenue to the tune of $1.6M a year. Further, it is projected that the development will generate permit fees (paid to the City of Beverly Hills) approaching $17M. More than half of the permit fees will be dispersed to schools and the department of recreations.

Developers are convinced that 9900 Wilshire won’t bring about traffic congestion issues. They believe traffic levels will return to the state they were in when the former department store was in full operation.

9900 Wilshire is a development of Project Lotus, LLC (a joint venture between CPC Group and Iceland-based Kaupthing Bank). The site was purchased from Pacific Realty Corporation in April of 2007. CPC Group is headed by one of the Candy brothers, Christian Candy, who also runs the London-based development and interior design firm of Candy & Candy Ltd. with his brother.