September 4, 2025

Beverly Hills Developer Expands Project to 36-Story Tower

News Summary

A significant expansion at 125-129 S. Linden Drive in Beverly Hills will transform the site into a 36-story tower with 350 residential units, including 61 affordable housing units. The project also plans to incorporate an 80-room luxury hotel. Developer Leo Pustilnikov has initiated legal action against the city, alleging obstruction of the construction process. This expansion comes alongside various similar legal cases, as the city navigates its housing element compliance issues.

Beverly Hills Developer Expands Project at 125-129 S. Linden Drive to 36-Story Tower with Increased Affordable Housing Component

The development at 125-129 S. Linden Drive in Beverly Hills has undergone a significant expansion, increasing its height from 19 stories to 36 stories. The new tower will reach approximately 400 feet, doubling the original plan’s height and introducing a total of 350 residential units, of which 61 are designated as affordable housing. This updated project also includes an 80-room luxury hotel and adds 185 more units to the initial proposal.

The developer, Leo Pustilnikov, initiated legal action against the city of Beverly Hills, alleging unlawful obstruction of the construction process. A recent court ruling on August 12 mandated that the city’s planning department process the application in accordance with California’s Housing Accountability Act, allowing for expedited review under certain circumstances.

Currently, Beverly Hills is dealing with at least six similar builder’s remedy lawsuits and has a total of 14 builder’s remedy projects in progress. This situation stems from the city’s housing element being out of compliance for approximately three years between 2021 and 2024, which allows developers to bypass typical local regulations if their projects include at least 13% affordable housing.

Project Details

The newly revised project will be constructed on a site that currently serves as a parking lot. The developer’s choice to increase the height and density of the building is a result of utilizing the builder’s remedy provision. Under this provision, local zoning restrictions are relaxed, enabling projects that meet specific criteria to proceed more easily.

Community Response

Despite ongoing discussions and community sentiment about the project, as of September 3, the Beverly Hills city government had not received a new application for the revised development from the developer. Michael Forbes, the city’s Director of Community Development, noted that the city would be unable to comment on the project until an application is formally submitted and reviewed.

Developer’s Vision

Pustilnikov has expressed pride in the development’s balance of market-rate and affordable housing, highlighting a commitment to strengthening the local economy. The introduction of a luxury hotel within the same complex is expected to further enhance the area’s appeal and economic activity.

As Beverly Hills continues to navigate the challenges of urban development and housing demands, the outcome of this project could have important implications for future zoning and community planning strategies. With ongoing legal battles and community concerns, the evolution of the project at 125-129 S. Linden Drive is likely to remain a focal point in discussions about housing policy in the area.

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Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER

The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER

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