The developer of the shopping center built parts of the archway and two pillars with elephant sculptures on the capitals, just as seen in the film, to the same full scale.

[8] Developed by TrizecHahn and with funds from the Community Redevelopment Agency, the complex opened as Hollywood & Highland after three years of construction in November 2001.

In 2005, the center underwent renovations to add additional features such as escalators leading visitors from Hollywood Boulevard directly to the third floor of the central courtyard, new signage, and new stores.

They announced plans for a major renovation to include both rebranding and upgrading the retail levels and courtyard, adding office space in the upper floors, and removal of the Babylon themed decor.

[citation needed] The complex opened in 2001 with a conditional use permit that enabled, among other things, for the center to have special exemptions of Los Angeles billboard ordinances.

L.A. City Councilman Eric Garcetti, who then represented the Hollywood-area district and was elected mayor in 2013, supported extending this special permit.

In 2007, Curbed L.A., an online magazine, named Hollywood & Highland the "winner" of their Ugliest Building in Los Angeles contest.

The TV Guide Hollywood Center (formerly owned by CIM Group)[18] across the street reconstructed the ground floor and has attracted new tenants.