By Chad Graham Hollywood seems to have put itself back on the wagon, according to new economic data released Wednesday. The area's hotel room rates are up, more moviegoers are visiting area theaters, and renters are paying more for office space, according to figures from the Hollywood Entertainment District. But the area's major sticking point remains trying to attract high-end retailers to the boulevard, once the epicenter of Tinseltown. I suspect a lot of the major retailers are either working with TrizecHahn for the Hollywood and Highland project or the CIM Group, who are experts in bringing high-quality retail to urban settings. Morrison said there have yet to be any announcements of major retail tenants, but she expects that to change in the coming year.
People remember how depressing it was to drive down the boulevard.
They don't see a very worthwhile customer base, and they don't really understand that market. So it's almost like the events and tourists will start to draw in the community around it, and that's going to be attractive for the major national retailers. Landmarks in the district include Mann's Chinese Theatre, the El Capitan Theatre and Capitol Records.