The Los Angeles-based development company's project, which is under construction by Swinerton Builders, will rise at the eastern entry to the city of West Hollywood at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and La Brea Avenue. Designed by the Jerde Partnership International of Santa Monica, the center is being built by Snyder in a partnership with Lexington Commercial Holdings of Beverly Hills.

Milt Swimmer, a senior partner with the Snyder Co., says the retail center will take shape quickly now that the underground parking facility is finished. Due to open in March 2004, the Gateway will be a blend of shops and restaurants that will be anchored by a 140,000-sf Target store and a 45,000-sf Best Buy.

Although Target and Best Buy are best known as suburban retailers, the Snyder executive says, both stores will feature new formats designed specifically for urban locations like the busy West Hollywood location, which is one of the busiest and most visible intersections in the region. Other retailers slated for the Gateway project include Starbucks, Baja Fresh, Daphne's Greek Cafe, Ben & Jerry's, Cingular Wireless and Happy Nails & Spa. Snyder says it is negotiating with additional restaurants offering more formal dining.

The new center will incorporate the adjacent historic Formosa Cafe, which has long been a popular gathering spot for actors at the nearby studios. The Formosa remains as a stand-alone structure, but will be connected to the Gateway via landscaping and other design elements. Set on 7.75 acres, the 250,000-sf, two-level center will feature a large plaza at the corner of La Brea Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard.