Sportsmen’s Lodge, a historic Studio City hotel built in the 1880s and the centerpiece of the Sportsmen’s Lodge shopping plaza, is set to begin renovations in 2025. The new layout will include 520 apartment units, 78 of which are reserved for low-income tenants and 45,000 square feet of commercial space, according to the Los Angeles Daily News. Store employees have raised concerns that the four-year construction plan, led by Midwood Development, will disrupt business by causing temporary closures and increased traffic. Evan Kim ’27 said the Sportsmen’s Lodge plaza is an ideal place for her to spend time during and after school, and that the temporary closure would negatively affect her routine.

“I would probably be upset, because it would be the loss of a super convenient place, not only for hanging out but also just studying or spending time,” Kim said.

Erewhon, one of the largest businesses at Sportsmen’s Lodge, filed a lawsuit against the city and Midwood Development to prevent the construction, according to the Los Angeles Times. Their concerns included the preservation of the historic hotel, the height of the new building and the environmental impact of the project. The Los Angeles (LA) City Council voted 13-1 to deny the appeal, allowing the construction to begin. Erewhon’s parent company has since filed an appeal in the LA Superior Court.

Ryder Katz ’25, who frequently visits the shopping complex, said he would be upset if Sportsmen’s Lodge temporarily closed, given his senior lunch privileges.

“I’d be disappointed to hear that Sportsmen’s Lodge is closing,” Katz stated. “I really enjoy being able to go [to Sportsmen’s Lodge] after school or practice with friends.”

Employees at local businesses have also expressed concern with potential inconveniences such as limited parking, increased traffic and noise. Though construction details have not been released, many shops fear that their businesses will be impacted and as a result, their customer count.

Barber, who declined to give a last name, works at Tuesday’s Sweet Shoppe, a candy store. Barber said the hotel construction might affect the number of shopper and hence the store’s customers.

“People see this shop and come in on a whim,” Barber stated in the interview. “So with less people and less foot traffic, the demolition will definitely affect the business.”

Rolling Greens Senior Sales Associate Nick, who declined to give a last name, said he was also concerned about the development and potential issues with transportation.

“Residents are fighting because they don’t want a high-rise here,” Nick said. “Also, the parking lot is already a mess, so construction taking away even more parking would be a serious issue.”

Reformation Sales Supervisor Reeve, who declined to give a last name, said Sportsmen’s Lodge has important historical significance and fears the construction will decrease the hotel’s business.

“The Sportsmen’s Lodge hotel is an iconic historical landmark, and it would be sad to destroy it,” Reeve said. “We would probably close temporarily, and the demolition of the hotel would absolutely affect business and jobs. ”