TC to save TV - General Tiki

O Ojaitimo Member Joined: Aug 04, 2006 Posts: 1317	O Ojaitimo Posted posted on Sun, Jan 28, 2007 1:19 PM I posted on Lotta Living.com where many of the members have the same idea we do. Here are some of the posts from http://www.lottaliving.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=5513&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0 From Mod Com forum on Trader Vic’s Beny Alagem (born 1953) is a former Israeli tank driver and the founder of Packard Bell Electronics, a leading American computer manufacturer during the late 1980s and early 1990s. In December 2003, Alagem purchased the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel from entertainer Merv Griffin. The deal was estimated at $130 million. Alagem continues to invest in real estate and is involved in various telecommunication ventures. Packard Bell co-founder 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. 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. Quote in the latest LA Business Journal from Rose Norton, "former Beverly Hills planning commissioner and a veteran community activist" "...There's one aspect of the project that Norton said likely won't be contested: The loss of Trader Vic's. 'I get the sense that people think Trader Vic's has had it's day,' she said. 'It's really slipped. Nobody will miss it so now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their ModCom. don't chat online. don't just show up at meetings. Write the letters of support and show up at the hearings and lend whatever talents you have - not only for Vics, but every other building on our endangered list. I suspect we're going to need a volunter captain to help coordinate efforts on this like Rebecca has done for the Save the Derby. Tikiyaki - sounds like this might be right up yer alley? Adrienne, nix - what happened at the BH planning meeting last tues? I'll do what I can... What do I need to do ? Also, if anyone needs to be in the loop, it's Sven Kirsten, Otto, Hanford LeMoore, SHAG and the rest of the tiki community...Do you have their info ? I'm guessing you know these people. Also, in the likely even that Vics will be demolished, is there a way to find someone to either... a) Make sure the signage and decor goes into the right hands b) Find an enthusiast who could relocate the business, as opposed to just shut it down Nuthin' is goin' nowhere this weekend. I've heard horrible reports of people stealing interior parts. That's the WORST thing you can do. Don't even think about it. The restaurant is not being demolished today or tomorrow.. We're going to be trying to prove it's importance and having it stripped down and ratty looking would not be the way to do that. The Planning meeting was informational only. No one was allowed to comment. The developers presented their plans and the city watched. We are going to be talking with the Oasis people soon and explaining our position. I'll post all news as it becomes available. Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 8:18 pm Post subject: As I posted over in Tikicentral, could TV's Route 66 connection be of use? It is the oldest tiki bar on Route 66 and would be the only one remaining if not for a newer neo-tiki place that just opened. I blogged my very brief TV visit here: http://thelope.blogspot.com/2006/02/lope-in-city-of-angels-la-route-66.html You can see the Tikicentral discussion on TV here: http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?mode=viewtopic&topic=18213&forum=1&start=0 Otto and Sven know about it. I'll tell Shag. The divergent communities that want to see Trader Vic's stay standing need to come together under an umbrella group. That is coming together soon. Please stay tuned and continue to patronize TVs. Very sad. And frustrating that so many people do not care. http://www.beverlyhiltonoasis.com/ Please note that there is a link called "TELL YOUR STORY" where you can tell the current owners how you feel. I wrote them something. They need to know how important Trader Vics is. Also note that in the entire "History of the Bevery Hilton" timeline, there is NO MENTION of Trader Vics. Fckin Aholes ! The city of Beverly Hills has just released a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed mixed use development at 9876 Wilshire Boulevard (The Beverly Hilton Oasis). A public scoping meeting will be held Monday, Sept 18th, 2006 at the Public Library Auditorium, Second Floor, 444 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm The notice states that with the exception of the 8-story main hotel tower, all buildings surround the hotel will be demolished to accomodate “luxury” condominiums and “luxury” hotel/condominiums suites. The public meeting will outline the proposed development and the public will be given a chance to voice their opinions on the matter. The city also invites written comments which should be mailed as soon as possible and at least no later that October 11 when the EIR begins. You may write to: City of Beverly Hills Department of Community Development 455 North Rexford Drive, Room G-40 Beverly Hills, California 90210 attn: Donna Jerex, Senior Planner From the Art Deco Society October 27th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm Cocktails in Historic Places Trader Vic’s at the Beverly Hilton 9876 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills 90210 The ADLSA closes out what is traditionally one of the hottest months in L.A. by heading over to world-famous Trader Vic’s, at the landmark Beverly Hilton hotel, for some cool tropical cocktails, and Tiki-licious décor. Famous as a favorite hangout for Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack, the Polynesian-themed restaurant, along with the rest of this Welton Beckett-designed complex, could be facing the wrecking ball if the results of an upcoming EIR looks favorable on the hotel’s owner’s proposal. So come join us as we Art Decophiles see what the modern world has in store for us—and support the L.A. Conservancy’s Modern Committee (http://www.modcom.org) in opposing the demolition. Reaction to planned razing of Trader Vic’s is muted By EMILY BRYSON YORK Los Angeles Business Journal Staff When plans to raze Trader Vic’s at the Beverly Hilton came to light in April, local fans of the Polynesian-themed landmark watering hole seemed to heave a collective sigh of disappointment. And that’s pretty much been the extent of it. According to Jill Collins, president of the Beverly Hills Historical Society, the missing outrage at losing a bit of local color isn’t uncommon. Only five buildings in the city have historical designations and all of them are city-owned. Even City Hall, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this week, doesn’t have a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. “The most we can hope for is some pictures of the old restaurant in the new building,” she said. Still, it’s not a done deal. The project, which is beginning its environmental impact study this week, will have to go through a public review process. Collins said that if there were objections, they’d likely surface at that point. Beverly Hills City Hall, the Beverly Hills Historical Society and the Beverly Hills Municipal League would seem the groups most likely to get involved … or not... http://www.labusinessjournal.com/industry_article_pay.asp?aID=72570612.6182017.1364077.1697291.7978006.503&aID2=104920&cID=7 LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL Posted date: 1/18/2007 Waldorf-Astoria to adjoin Beverly Hilton By EMILY BRYSON YORK Los Angeles Business Journal Staff Beny Alagem’s Oasis West Realty LLC has finalized his plans for final phase of the Beverly Hilton Hotel renovation, announcing Thursday that a Waldorf-Astoria hotel will be built at the corner of Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards. Alagem recently completed a $74 million Beverly Hilton facelift. Luxury condominiums that will share the hotel’s services are to be constructed as well, but plans for the third building, situated where Trader Vic’s now stands, had not been divulged... http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aid=109254 Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:08 pm Post subject: And this just in from the Los Angeles Times: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-fi-hilton19jan19,0,5434850.story?coll=la-home-headlines Excerpt At least one piece of Los Angeles history would probably fall by the wayside. The adjacent Trader Vic's, the Polynesian-themed restaurant famous for its mai tais, would be torn down and replaced with the Waldorf-Astoria. "That '50s creation of tiki is a diminishing resource," said Laurie Dishman, executive director of the Los Angeles Conservancy, which is lobbying to save the restaurant. "We really need to protect what we have." Although negotiations are continuing with Trader Vic's to transplant some of the favorite "pupus" to the new restaurant's menu, Alagem said, "obviously we have to move with time." Excerpt So what the hell does that mean? Transplanting pupus? Lynxwiler wrote: The city of Beverly Hills has just released a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed mixed use development at 9876 Wilshire Boulevard (The Beverly Hilton Oasis). Has the EIR been completed, or must there be another on this particular development? Hello Everyone, I recognise a few of you from Tiki Central where we have a thread on the Trader Vic fiasco. We are planning on being there at Trader Vic's on Saint Patricks day March 17th 2007. A number of us have committed to try and fight this any way we can. http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=22554&forum=1&18 Any comments or advice would be appreciated and if any of you can make it to the Velocity Cafe 2127 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica Friday 7PM PST I'll see you there. Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:32 pm Post subject: Franklin Avenue reports that Trader Vic's is looking for a new location. This could really complicate things. ...But what about Trader Vic's? John Maatta, the chief operating officer of The CW network, just happens to also sit on the board of Trader Vic's (and is the former chairman of the board). He tells me that Trader Vic's is actively searching for another location in Los Angeles: Trader Vic’s is having a big re-birth. This year we opened in Scottsdale, and Seattle. We are about to open in Dallas and Las Vegas will open in the Fall —- at a great location on the strip. Trader Vic’s Shanghai opened on New Year’s Eve. Trader Vic management is actively working LA, although nothing specific is lined-up yet. Life is a state of mind [ [ Edited by: Ojaitimo 2007-01-28 20:00 ]

I posted on Lotta Living.com where many of the members have the same idea we do. Here are some of the posts from http://www.lottaliving.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t=5513&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
From Mod Com forum on Trader Vic’s

Beny Alagem (born 1953) is a former Israeli tank driver and the founder of Packard Bell Electronics, a leading American computer manufacturer during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
In December 2003, Alagem purchased the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel from entertainer Merv Griffin. The deal was estimated at $130 million. Alagem continues to invest in real estate and is involved in various telecommunication ventures.
Packard Bell co-founder 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.

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.

Quote in the latest LA Business Journal from Rose Norton, "former Beverly Hills planning commissioner and a veteran community activist"

"...There's one aspect of the project that Norton said likely won't be contested: The loss of Trader Vic's. 'I get the sense that people think Trader Vic's has had it's day,' she said. 'It's really slipped. Nobody will miss it

so now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their ModCom.
don't chat online. don't just show up at meetings.
Write the letters of support and show up at the hearings and lend whatever talents you have - not only for Vics, but every other building on our endangered list.
I suspect we're going to need a volunter captain to help coordinate efforts on this like Rebecca has done for the Save the Derby. Tikiyaki - sounds like this might be right up yer alley?

Adrienne, nix - what happened at the BH planning meeting last tues?

I'll do what I can... What do I need to do ? Also, if anyone needs to be in the loop, it's Sven Kirsten, Otto, Hanford LeMoore, SHAG and the rest of the tiki community...Do you have their info ? I'm guessing you know these people.
Also, in the likely even that Vics will be demolished, is there a way to find someone to either...
a) Make sure the signage and decor goes into the right hands
b) Find an enthusiast who could relocate the business, as opposed to just shut it down

Nuthin' is goin' nowhere this weekend. I've heard horrible reports of people stealing interior parts. That's the WORST thing you can do. Don't even think about it. The restaurant is not being demolished today or tomorrow.. We're going to be trying to prove it's importance and having it stripped down and ratty looking would not be the way to do that.

The Planning meeting was informational only. No one was allowed to comment. The developers presented their plans and the city watched.

We are going to be talking with the Oasis people soon and explaining our position. I'll post all news as it becomes available. Posted: Fri Apr 07, 2006 8:18 pm Post subject:

As I posted over in Tikicentral, could TV's Route 66 connection be of use? It is the oldest tiki bar on Route 66 and would be the only one remaining if not for a newer neo-tiki place that just opened. I blogged my very brief TV visit here: http://thelope.blogspot.com/2006/02/lope-in-city-of-angels-la-route-66.html
You can see the Tikicentral discussion on TV here: http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?mode=viewtopic&topic=18213&forum=1&start=0

Otto and Sven know about it. I'll tell Shag. The divergent communities that want to see Trader Vic's stay standing need to come together under an umbrella group. That is coming together soon.

Please stay tuned and continue to patronize TVs.

Very sad. And frustrating that so many people do not care.

http://www.beverlyhiltonoasis.com/

Please note that there is a link called "TELL YOUR STORY" where you can tell the current owners how you feel. I wrote them something. They need to know how important Trader Vics is.

Also note that in the entire "History of the Bevery Hilton" timeline, there is NO MENTION of Trader Vics.

F*ckin A**holes !

The city of Beverly Hills has just released a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed mixed use development at 9876 Wilshire Boulevard (The Beverly Hilton Oasis).

A public scoping meeting will be held Monday, Sept 18th, 2006 at the Public Library Auditorium, Second Floor, 444 North Rexford Drive, Beverly Hills, CA. Time: 6:30 to 8:30pm

The notice states that with the exception of the 8-story main hotel tower, all buildings surround the hotel will be demolished to accomodate “luxury” condominiums and “luxury” hotel/condominiums suites. The public meeting will outline the proposed development and the public will be given a chance to voice their opinions on the matter.

The city also invites written comments which should be mailed as soon as possible and at least no later that October 11 when the EIR begins. You may write to:

City of Beverly Hills
Department of Community Development
455 North Rexford Drive, Room G-40
Beverly Hills, California 90210
attn: Donna Jerex, Senior Planner

From the Art Deco Society

October 27th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Cocktails in Historic Places
Trader Vic’s at the Beverly Hilton
9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills 90210

The ADLSA closes out what is traditionally one of the hottest months in L.A. by heading over to world-famous Trader Vic’s, at the landmark Beverly Hilton hotel, for some cool tropical cocktails*, and Tiki-licious décor. Famous as a favorite hangout for Frank Sinatra's Rat Pack, the Polynesian-themed restaurant, along with the rest of
this Welton Beckett-designed complex, could be facing the wrecking ball if the results of an upcoming EIR looks favorable on the hotel’s owner’s proposal. So come join us as we Art Decophiles see what the modern world has in store for us—and support the L.A. Conservancy’s Modern Committee (http://www.modcom.org) in opposing the demolition.
Reaction to planned razing of Trader Vic’s is muted

By EMILY BRYSON YORK
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff
When plans to raze Trader Vic’s at the Beverly Hilton came to light in April, local fans of the Polynesian-themed landmark watering hole seemed to heave a collective sigh of disappointment.

And that’s pretty much been the extent of it.

According to Jill Collins, president of the Beverly Hills Historical Society, the missing outrage at losing a bit of local color isn’t uncommon. Only five buildings in the city have historical designations and all of them are city-owned.

Even City Hall, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this week, doesn’t have a listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

“The most we can hope for is some pictures of the old restaurant in the new building,” she said.

Still, it’s not a done deal. The project, which is beginning its environmental impact study this week, will have to go through a public review process. Collins said that if there were objections, they’d likely surface at that point. Beverly Hills City Hall, the Beverly Hills Historical Society and the Beverly Hills Municipal League would seem the groups most likely to get involved … or not...

http://www.labusinessjournal.com/industry_article_pay.asp?aID=72570612.6182017.1364077.1697291.7978006.503&aID2=104920&cID=7

LOS ANGELES BUSINESS JOURNAL

Posted date: 1/18/2007
Waldorf-Astoria to adjoin Beverly Hilton

By EMILY BRYSON YORK
Los Angeles Business Journal Staff
Beny Alagem’s Oasis West Realty LLC has finalized his plans for final phase of the Beverly Hilton Hotel renovation, announcing Thursday that a Waldorf-Astoria hotel will be built at the corner of Santa Monica and Wilshire boulevards.

Alagem recently completed a $74 million Beverly Hilton facelift. Luxury condominiums that will share the hotel’s services are to be constructed as well, but plans for the third building, situated where Trader Vic’s now stands, had not been divulged...

http://www.labusinessjournal.com/article.asp?aid=109254

Posted: Fri Jan 19, 2007 1:08 pm Post subject:

And this just in from the Los Angeles Times:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-fi-hilton19jan19,0,5434850.story?coll=la-home-headlines

Excerpt
At least one piece of Los Angeles history would probably fall by the wayside. The adjacent Trader Vic's, the Polynesian-themed restaurant famous for its mai tais, would be torn down and replaced with the Waldorf-Astoria.

"That '50s creation of tiki is a diminishing resource," said Laurie Dishman, executive director of the Los Angeles Conservancy, which is lobbying to save the restaurant. "We really need to protect what we have."

Although negotiations are continuing with Trader Vic's to transplant some of the favorite "pupus" to the new restaurant's menu, Alagem said, "obviously we have to move with time."
Excerpt

So what the hell does that mean? Transplanting pupus?

Lynxwiler wrote:
The city of Beverly Hills has just released a Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed mixed use development at 9876 Wilshire Boulevard (The Beverly Hilton Oasis).

Has the EIR been completed, or must there be another on this particular development?

Hello Everyone,

I recognise a few of you from Tiki Central where we have a thread on the Trader Vic fiasco. We are planning on being there at Trader Vic's on Saint Patricks day March 17th 2007.
A number of us have committed to try and fight this any way we can.

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=22554&forum=1&18

Any comments or advice would be appreciated and if any of you can make it to the Velocity Cafe 2127 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica Friday 7PM PST I'll see you there.
Posted: Thu Jan 25, 2007 6:32 pm Post subject:

Franklin Avenue reports that Trader Vic's is looking for a new location. This could really complicate things.

...But what about Trader Vic's? John Maatta, the chief operating officer of The CW network, just happens to also sit on the board of Trader Vic's (and is the former chairman of the board). He tells me that Trader Vic's is actively searching for another location in Los Angeles:

Trader Vic’s is having a big re-birth. This year we opened in Scottsdale, and Seattle. We are about to open in Dallas and Las Vegas will open in the Fall —- at a great location on the strip. Trader Vic’s Shanghai opened on New Year’s Eve. Trader Vic management is actively working LA, although nothing specific is lined-up yet.

Life is a state of mind

[

[ Edited by: Ojaitimo 2007-01-28 20:00 ]

Post #281500 by Ojaitimo on Sun, Jan 28, 2007 1:19 PM