Say it ain’t so! Hollywood’s beloved record store, Amoeba, might just be another statistic of reality. Since 2001, Amoeba has been Hollywood’s iconic record store, spanning over a block Sunset Boulevard with music galore.

The new plan by real estate group, GPI Companies, is to build a “20-something” story glass tower skyscraper overlooking the CNN building and Arclight buildings. The photo that depicts the finished construction of the tower comes from Shimahara, an architectural illustration firm. The LAist spoke with a project manager at Shimahara, who said they “didn’t know what the actual plans for the site or the rendering were, but that they were definitely for 6400 Sunset Blvd. (Amoeba’s address), and that Shimahara had completed them in April… -the renderings had been commissioned by architectural firm Johnson Fain,” but when they called Fain they received a, “very terse we-don’t-know-what-you’re-talking-about response.”

Several calls later to GPI, Katie Bazjatt, an office manager, told LAist in an email that “at this time, we have not yet made an application with the City and are not certain whether we will. We have no other information at this time.”

Councilman O’Farrell represents District 13, which captures much of Hollywood, including the stretch of Sunset between Ivar and Cahuenga where Amoeba is located. The LAist reached out to the councilman’s office to see if anyone from GPI was in contact with the councilman. Tony Arranaga, Councilman O’Farrell’s Communications Director replied:

Amoeba Records voluntarily decided to sell the property. The developer has come to our office with ideas, but nothing has been filed with the city.
The Councilmember has expressed to the new owner the importance of world-class design for any possible redevelopment on this site.

In addition to selling records, the current building which holds Amoeba Records is an entertainment hub and popular cultural destination.
The Councilmember is disheartened about the sale, and would love for Amoeba to stay. Should Amoeba move from its current location, the Councilmember is committed to working with the store to identify another location that would allow them to remain in Hollywood.

Not to worry though, Amoeba issued an official statement on their Twitter detailing their stay in their current spot for the remainder of their lease which isn’t up for several more years. Amoeba and the building’s owner are even open to the record store potentially staying longer. Is this another case of gentrification, reinventing Hollywood, or just proving that the Los Angeles area needs more affordable housing in such a congested area?

Is this another case of gentrification, reinventing Hollywood, or just proving that the Los Angeles area needs more affordable housing in such a congested area?

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