South Korean Firm to Build Three-Story Medical Complex Above Hollywood Hospital Garage
CHA Health Systems, a South Korea-based healthcare firm, has received approval from the Los Angeles City Council to construct a three-story medical complex above a parking garage at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. The firm plans to build 96,000 square feet of medical offices on top of the garage located at 1321-1323 North Virgil Avenue. The expansion project will result in a six-story building encompassing medical clinics, diagnostics and imaging facilities, a pharmacy, and shops.
Designed by KMD Architects, the complex will feature a modern aesthetic with glass, white metal panels, and painted concrete. This project is part of a larger $350 million expansion plan for Hollywood Presbyterian, which includes a five-story inpatient tower built in 2019, as well as an expansion of the emergency department and the addition of a new maternity and neonatal intensive care unit.
The approval for the garage expansion came after an appeal by Doug Haines of the La Mirada Neighborhood Association, who claimed that the medical office building violated local zoning rules. However, the appeal was ultimately rejected. A second appeal filed by the union coalition Creed LA was dropped.
CHA Health Systems, led by fertility expert Dr. Kwang-yul Cha, is a prominent healthcare conglomerate that owns 25 hospitals and clinics, along with 30 healthcare companies. The company acquired Hollywood Presbyterian, formerly known as Queen of Angels, in 2004 from Tenet Healthcare for $69 million.
A similar project has been undertaken by Kaiser Los Angeles Medical Center, situated near Sunset Boulevard and Vermont Avenue. Over a six-year period, the medical center initiated a three-phase expansion plan. Moreover, in March last year, the Kaiser Foundation further expanded its East Hollywood medical complex by purchasing a 73-room Travelodge motel for $30.8 million.
The construction of the three-story medical complex above the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center parking garage is expected to enhance the healthcare services provided by the facility and contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the medical center.
Overall, this expansion project signifies the continuous efforts to improve patient care and expand medical facilities in the Hollywood area, bolstering the region’s healthcare infrastructure and catering to the needs of the community.
