In the News: Woodland Hills Ventura Hotel

2019-09-11T18:28:33+00:00December 12th, 2016|

Architectural Dimensions was recently featured in the Los Angeles Daily Times for its involvement in an 8-story Ventura hotel proposed to replace a now vacant restaurant, a building that has been the demise of many businesses. The site is unique in the fact that it sits on top of a centrally located hill, an area where urban and residential sprawl come together. Current zoning specifications and ordinances do not typically allow for buildings of this type, but there is gaining community support for the project. As it sits today the site is an eyesore wrapped in graffiti and chain link, an image the community desperately wants to change. In designing the spaces for this project, putting the community first was of utmost importance. We wanted to create spaces that could be at the center of celebration and gathering. The building's shape allowed for many unique and intimate spaces including; A large banquet and meeting area, a local restaurant, 2 rooftop bars both with stunning views, secluded pool deck and underground parking all utilize the site to its entirety. Visually the design is a contemporary addition to Ventura Boulevard and the Woodland Hills Area. If you would like to read more about [...]

In the News: San Francisco’s Hotel Market

2019-09-11T18:29:11+00:00December 5th, 2016|

Getting into San Francisco’s Hotel Market is Tough, But Well Worth it Written By: Julie Littman Originally Seen on BisNow.com San Francisco is a difficult hospitality market, but very few hoteliers regret getting into it. Hoteliers, investors, designers and developers gathered in San Francisco during a Bisnow event to discuss how hotels get developed in the city and where they expect opportunities in the years ahead. Turner & Townsend Trestle associate director Edd Burton, Architectural Dimensions president Jim Heilbronner, Marriott VP lodging development Robert Sanger and Hyatt Hotel VP of real estate and development Chris Dobbins discussed what makes San Francisco a difficult hospitality market and how they work around many of the regulatory, construction and cost issues they face. Architectural Dimensions president Jim Heilbronner said the biggest challenges to getting a hotel off the ground come from the entitlement and permit processes and the restrictions developers face. All of the fees add up, too. Jim said hoteliers can expect to pay about $20k/key in fees costing upwards of $2M for a 100-room hotel. He said developers should project about 15% to 18% of their budgets to go toward getting their projects through approvals. Adding on about 50% of their budget [...]