Founder, BLVD Hospitality

Blanchard is the founder of BLVD Hospitality, which has been very active during the pandemic. Most recently, the company wrapped up development on CitizenM, the first high-rise modular construction hotel ever approved in Los Angeles. In 2020, the company, along with partners Global Mutual and ESI Ventures, purchased the iconic Georgian Hotel on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. The company has a large renovation planned for the building. Blanchard founded BLVD in 2008 with Nicolo Rusconi. The company is perhaps best known for the renovation of the United Artists’ Building and Theatre into the Ace Hotel in downtown. Blanchard is also the co-founder of fast-casual restaurant chain Chicas Tacos.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 3