Beverly Hills Hotel Designated City's 'Historic Landmark No. 1'

The City Council voted unanimously at its Tuesday formal meeting to approve the Cultural Heritage Commission’s recommendation to designate the  as the city's historic landmark No. 1.

“It is a very special and historic day in Beverly Hills,” Mayor William Brien said about the designation. “The Beverly Hills Hotel is one of the most iconic structures in the city and, a century ago, set the standard for what would become a world-class community. This is an important step in preserving and showcasing Beverly Hills’ many historic and cultural treasures.”

The council also named Sept. 12, 2012, as “The Beverly Hills Hotel Day” to celebrate the establishment, which opened 100 years ago in 1912.

According to a city press release, the Beverly Hills Hotel’s central role in the growth of the community was one of the reasons cited for the consideration of the prestigious landmark designation. The hotel was designed by architect Elmer Grey, with an addition designed by Paul R. Williams that was added to the eastern side of the property in 1949. 

The council appointed the five-member Cultural Heritage Commission earlier this year to offer incentives to preserve and restore the city’s architecturally significant buildings. More information on the historic preservation program is available here.

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