BOULEVARD MAY GET 1ST `BIG BOX'.Byline: Enrique Rivero Daily News Staff Writer A family long involved in local real estate wants to develop a $30 million ``big box'' retail center on Ventura Boulevard Ventura Boulevard is one of the primary east-west thouroughfares in the San Fernando Valley; as it was originally a part of the El Camino Real (the trail between Spanish missions), Ventura Boulevard is the oldest route in the San Fernando Valley. It was also U.S. , hoping to capitalize on Cap´i`tal`ize on` v. t. 1. To turn (an opportunity) to one's advantage; to take advantage of (a situation); to profit from; as, to capitalize on an opponent's mistakes s>. Sherman Oaks' population-dense but big-retailer-poor demographics The attributes of people in a particular geographic area. Used for marketing purposes, population, ethnic origins, religion, spoken language, income and age range are examples of demographic data. . The Konjoyan family, which owns numerous properties in Sherman Oaks and Van Nuys, recently purchased the Coast Savings bank savings bank, financial institution that, until recently, performed only the following functions: receiving savings deposits of individuals, investing them, and providing a modest return to its depositors in the form of interest. property on the northwest corner of the boulevard and Willis Avenue for about $2.35 million, next door to the Konjoyan-owned Lindora Building. If all goes as planned, the Konjoyans will raze raze also rase tr.v. razed also rased, raz·ing also ras·ing, raz·es also ras·es 1. To level to the ground; demolish. See Synonyms at ruin. 2. To scrape or shave off. 3. both buildings to make way for a 100,000-square-foot, two-story complex that the family hopes will attract two or three national retailers, said Craig Konjoyan, co-developer with his sister, Carrie. ``We plan on going hog wild on making this a showplace for Sherman Oaks,'' he said. ``Our feeling is we've been in the community since 1942, our offices are just across the street, (and) we want to make a statement to our community. ``And hopefully we'll succeed,'' he said. In addition to the retail space, the project as envisioned would also include a three-level parking structure - two levels above ground and the third and largest underground - with more than 400 parking spaces. Fountains and glass elevators Glass Elevator are an art metal band from south-east Kent, England. Originally formed in mid-1998, Trevor Pressman (vocals/guitar), Peter Colley (bass) and Paul Andrews (drums) were joined a couple of years later by Dan Lucas (guitar). would decorate the site. While conceding that more information is needed, Richard H. Close, president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association, said the project would be welcomed if the developers can mitigate the traffic problems that the project could create. The project's potential impact should be judged based on who the tenants are, not its size, he said. ``I think, in general, if it complies with the Ventura Boulevard Specific Plan and they can solve the traffic problems the center's going to create, it will be very good for the community,'' Close said. Among other things, the plan limits buildings to a maximum 30-foot height and requires parking to be located behind buildings to make for a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. The Konjoyans hope to obtain approval to build a 38-foot-tall structure, Konjoyan said. ``(Without it) the big users won't come in,'' he said. Konjoyan said Sherman Oaks needs more of the big retailers that have shied shied 1 v. Past tense and past participle of shy1. shied Verb the past of shy1 or shy2 away from the area for lack of space and because zoning laws in the area favor smaller retailers. ``Our approach right now is to go for something that Sherman Oaks doesn't seem to have . . . the larger retailers that have stayed away from the area,'' he said. The Konjoyans also own the Mel's Drive-in diner diner, restaurant resembling the railroad dining car that is its source. In the mid-19th cent., the first dining cars that appeared on trains were nothing more than an empty car with a fastened-down table. George M. parcel on the southwest corner of Ventura Boulevard and Kester Avenue and the neighboring neigh·bor n. 1. One who lives near or next to another. 2. A person, place, or thing adjacent to or located near another. 3. A fellow human. 4. Used as a form of familiar address. v. Craig Building. Both are across the street from the Coast bank site. CAPTION(S): Map MAP: (Color) Proposed retail complex |
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