This is what should have been done in 1994 when Washington and Culver boulevards were realigned.
Magic Number: 9300
From a marketing standpoint, the new designation for Parcel B barely is an upgrade from the present label.
It will simply be, 9300 Culver Blvd.
This elaborate ritual 2 1/2 weeks before Culver Citys 90th birthday will presage one of the most dramatic re-configurations in recent times.
The portion of Washington Boulevard that wends in front of the historic Culver Hotel and then turns eastward, eventually be closed off to accommodate a grand, greatly enlarged Towne Plaza.
The retooled Towne Plaza is envisioned as an old-fashioned town square-type of community gathering place.
As of this morning, the Washington Boulevard closure is estimated to take effect on the eve of Thanksgiving, 90 days from now.
Instead of passing in front of the Culver Hotel, east-bound Culver Boulevard traffic will be re-routed around the northerly side of the Trader Joes parking lot.
The present slender passageway along the western side of Trader Joes will be widened and renamed Washington Boulevard.
Here is the skinny on what the presumed crown jewel of Downtown, and The Culver Studios, will look like two years from this summer when the enlarged Plaza and good, old Parcel B are expected to bow in:
Three stories 115,000 square feet.
Parking: Valet parking will be accommodated underground. Other drivers are on their own, starting with the Ince Structure that is adjacent.
Upper two floors are offices.
On the ground floor, 7 businesses are planned, and 5, so far, have committed. Three will serve the stomachs of locals and travelers.
Peets Coffee no introduction needed.
Second City Bistro, an upscale, French tablecloth eatery now in El Segundo.
Pharmica, a holistic pharmacy presently in Malibu.
Active Ride, characterized as a higher end store offering sporting toggery plus parts for athletic boards skateboards, surfboards, snowboards.
Front Row Grill offers a sports bar concept.
City Hall presently is negotiating with 2 more retailers to fill out the ground floor.
For several years, City Hall and The Culver Studios both have spoken enthusiastically, and encouragingly, about luring an independent bookdealer to Culver City.
The outlook today is not good.
Diesel Books, described as unique by Joe Susca, project manager for the Community Development Dept., blinked at the steep rent at Parcel B. The store presently is shopping for an alternate location here.
The entire construction project can be seen at City Halls website, culvercity.org.
