Developer of 43-Room Boutique Hotel Gets the All-Clear to Build in NoHo

Originally posted 3:30 p.m. April 21, 2014. Edited with new details.

A hotelier who owns a local Best Western and Super 8 is going decidedly upscale in pursuits of a 43-room boutique hotel on the former site of Maximilian's Restaurant in NoHo.

IKON Hospitality Group of North Hollywood won the last of its discretionary approvals last week and is clear to build the property, which includes 38 parking spaces, eight bicycle parking spaces, pool and a fitness center.

Project architect Nikhil Kamat, principal at Irvine design firm nKlosures Inc., told the San Fernando Valley Business Journal that the owners expect to break ground on the $5 million project by the end of the year.

In September, the Mid-Town NoHo Neighborhood Council gave its unanimous seal of approval.

"I think it's a lovely project,” said board member Barbara Nance.

"Based on the responses we had received, we were hopeful that the project will be approved as it will benefit the community," Kamat told Patch. "We even had some members from the community attend the public hearing and support the project."

Kamat has found the process encouraging, and hopes it spurs other development.

"The project will act as a catalyst in attracting other businesses to the community and in turn help in developing the vacant and underused lots currently in the neighborhood," he said. "In addition, the hotel project will also help boost the local businesses (restaurants, arts district) which are within walking distance."