Sherman Oaks : Revitalization of Street Continues

The revitalization of a blighted stretch of Ventura Boulevard east of Woodman Avenue is well on its way, much to the delight of area homeowners and businesses.

Project manager Mitchell Guthman, whose father owns the property, said Monday that demolition work and asbestos removal on the existing 16 storefronts have been completed. Workers have begun the final construction phase, which includes new insulation, plumbing, air conditioning and a parking lot.

According to Guthman, the $986,000 rehabilitation project will be finished in four to five months. Two merchants--an interior decorator and a beauty shop owner--have already signed on as tenants, Guthman said.

Richard Close, president of the Sherman Oaks Homeowners Assn., said he is happy about the progress of the project.

“A lot of people have looked at that corner as an eyesore for so many years,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see that there is progress and that tenants are being signed up.”

Billy Kincheloe, manager of Prezzo Bar and Griglia, across the street from the project, said, “It’s great. It’ll bring new life to the neighborhood.”

Close said an association committee has been working with Guthman to try to bring back some of the block’s popular tenants, such as the Scene of the Crime bookstore.