Millennium project

TOWERS OF POWER: "It's a game-changer for the Hollywood area." So said L.A. City Councilman Mitch O'Farrell today after the Council unanimously approved a massive new development that will put 1 million square feet of new office, hotel and retail space on lots surrounding the Capitol Records building (check out the L.A. Times story here). The project, designed by the New York-based Millennium company, has long been touted by new Mayor Eric Garcetti, despite opposition from some locals (who fear the impact of new skyscrapers on the Tinseltown skyline) and seismologists (who warned against adding the structures so close to an earthquake fault line). It'll certainly transform the neighborhood, and puts Capitol in the middle of the action (we recently told you about Steve Barnett and the Capitol refurbishment getting glossy coverage in local mag L.A. Confidential). Meanwhile, a new development encircling UMPG's Santa Monica HQ will feature six dispensaries and a donut shop. (7/24p)