West Hollywood is considering adding a nearly 50-foot glass sphere over Sunset Boulevard, a smaller version of the Las Vegas Sphere that debuted earlier this year.
The West Hollywood Planning Commission Sunset Arts & Advertising Subcommittee reviewed the developer’s plan for the “Sphere on Sunset” during a special meeting Thursday. Unlike its Las Vegas cousin, this sphere won’t be a performance venue. Instead, the “Sphere on Sunset” would be a three-level venue designed for live broadcasting with podcast space, a reception area, and green rooms. It would also have a rooftop terrace and a media-themed plaza that would be open to the public 24/7.
The proposed sphere would be located between Olive Drive and Kings Road, situated between the Pendry West Hollywood and the Best Western Plus / Sunset Plaza Hotel, according to the plans.
The “Sphere on Sunset” would have three different digital billboards covering 2,000 square feet. Some would show advertising, but the others could be used by the city for arts programming.
The developer also envisions an outdoor presentation of the history of the broadcasting and entertainment industries called “The Experience,” according to a staff memo.
“The circular interactive display will include an historical timeline, images, and artifacts that the public can meander through allowing a deeper understanding and appreciation for these industries and Sunset’s role in the formation of these industries,” the memo states.
The sphere is supposed to hover 8 feet off the ground. City officials noted it’s still unclear how the huge glass orb would be supported.
The project needs to get a recommendation for zoning and permits, which will be a part of its application package presented to the full Planning Commission. The sphere proposal would then need to go to the West Hollywood City Council for final approval.
