EXPANSION PROJECT

The expansion project of the Hilton Universal Hotel involves the construction of an 18-story building, adding 395 guest rooms to the existing accommodation, effectively elevating the hotel's overall capacity to 890 rooms and suites. Additionally, the expansion integrates captivating rooftop views of the Hollywood Hills and the San Fernando Valley, along with designated spaces for restaurants and bars, expanded outdoor pool areas, and the inclusion of a luxurious spa.

EXPANSION FAQ

  • The Hilton Universal is located at the heart of Los Angeles’ entertainment district, adjacent to Universal Studios. The AAA 4-Diamond hotel is best known by many in the local community and greater Los Angeles area for its renowned business, convention and banquet facilities, FIVE on the Hill outdoor bar and restaurant, along with the popular Cafe Sierra Seafood Buffet.

  • The Hilton Universal City building is owned by Sun Hill Real Estate LLC and operated by Sun Hill Properties Inc., constructed on land owned by Hillcrest Real Estate LLC.

  • The project calls for the construction of a new building with 395 guest rooms, which combined with the existing 495 guest rooms, would increase the size of the hotel to 890 total guess rooms and suites. In addition, the project would provide restaurant and bar areas, additional outdoor pool areas, a luxury spa, and 360 degree views of the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood Hills.

  • The proposed addition has 18 levels. Due to the sloping topography on which the new building will be constructed, the new structure will have several below-grade levels. When completed, the height of the expansion building will appear to be 9 stories shorter than the existing 24-story hotel.

  • The project is designed in a modern, linear architectural style to complement the existing hotel building and create a seamless hotel campus with two distinct hotel towers. The goal is to create an aesthetically pleasing, completely independent, full-service hotel building that is architecturally integrated with the existing tower and surrounding structures.

  • No, the glass windows in the new building will not create a glare. The new hotel tower will instead block a good portion of the glare created by the current Hilton tower. The glare that occurs at present is a result of the mirrored glass specified for the current tower in the 1980s. While popular at the time, this type of glass is no longer used because of its 100% reflectivity, and the city does not allow new buildings to install glass exteriors with such high reflectivity. The highest reflectivity allowed currently is around 20%, but the new hotel tower adjacent to and south of the Hilton Universal City, will use glass with a much lower reflectivity, approximately 13%. On the new tower, any metal panel will be covered with a matte finish to further reduce glare.

  • Yes, the project will not block scenic vistas or features, nor will it significantly change the character of the view.

  • The project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) was published in November 2023. The DEIR studied the project’s environmental impacts, proposes mitigation measures when necessary, and includes opportunities for the public to comment. Public hearings before the City Planning Commission and City Council are expected to take place in 2024.

    A link to the Draft Environmental Impact Report can be found here.

  • Yes, a traffic study will be completed as a part of the project’s Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) as required by City of Los Angeles.

  • No, the plan is to continue the operations at the current facilities uninterrupted. Adjustments will be made as necessary during the construction process in order to minimize guest impact as well as impact to our neighbors, especially Universal Studios Hollywood.

  • Yes, the site is within a Transit Priority Area as it is located approximately a half-mile from the Metro B (Red) Line Universal City/Studio City station. The Universal City/Studio City station is also served by a number of local bus lines. The Hilton Universal City currently offers subsidies to all employees to encourage the use of public transit and will continue to do so after the project is completed.

  • The project team is committed to continuing the hotel’s incorporation of green building design and sustainability features. The project is being designed with the California Green Building Standards and the City of Los Angeles’s Green Building Code in mind.

    Examples of potential design features that would contribute to energy efficiency include:

    •HVAC systems that use ozone-friendly refrigerants

    •Use of high-efficiency appliances to save water and energy

    •Incorporating water conservation features

    •Stormwater retention program

    •Designed to achieve the equivalent of LEED Gold Certification

  • The spa is a hotel amenity and will be available to guests and up to 250 non-hotel guest private members.

  • Construction is planned to begin in 2024 and is expected to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027-just in time for the 2028 Olympics.

  • The Hilton Universal City expansion project will generate nearly $7 million in tax revenue annually for the City of Los Angeles.

  • The expansion project will create 935+ construction jobs and 220+ new permanent jobs in addition to the 400+ jobs at the existing hotel.