Local News in Brief : Film Academy Begins Office Center Project

An emcee proclaimed, “This is show business, folks,” as a tuxedo-clad parachutist swooped onto a North Hollywood construction site Wednesday during ground breaking for a sprawling office center that will be home to the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

“Since we are in the entertainment business, be it far from us to just shovel dirt,” said Doug Duitsman, the academy’s president.

The ceremony ended more than seven years of planning. The 22-acre academy center, which will include an 11-story office building, a 200-room hotel, 197 apartments, shops and restaurants, is considered the most important project to date in the 10-year-old North Hollywood redevelopment zone.

The academy’s success or failure will set the pace for future revitalization efforts in the decaying commercial and residential areas around Lankershim Boulevard, community leaders say.

“This is important for the stability it will bring and ripple effect it will have in the community,.” said John J. Tuite, administrator of the Community Redevelopment Agency. “This will bring flair and charisma back to North Hollywood.”