Hollywood's Lexington Development Redesigned and Downsized

Viewed from the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue

Five years after stalling out with developer DS Ventures, Central Hollywood's massive Lexington project is somehow alive and kicking.  The mixed-use development, proposed for a 5.9-acre site at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue, would create a series of low-rise buildings featuring apartments and/or condominiums above ground-level commercial space.  A recently released FEIR casts some light on the updated, and slightly reduced development program.

Revised plans for the Lexington were designed by Santa Monica-based VTBS Architects, and call for six buildings, ranging from five-to-seven stories in height.  The low-rise structures will contain a total of 695 studio, one and two-bedroom units.  This represents a sharp decrease from the 786 dwelling units proposed under the former development program.  Conversely, the new plans call for just under 25,000 square feet of ground-level retail and restaurant space, a slight increase from the original proposal.  The project will also offer parking accommodations for nearly 1,400 vehicles, to be located in a three-level, partially-underground garage.

Buildings would be divided by approximately 71,000 square feet of open space, including outdoor seating, a children's play lawn, and pathways.  A landscaped plaza would cut through the center of the development site, offering a pedestrian link between Santa Monica Boulevard and Lexington Avenue.  Residents would also benefit from two landscaped courtyards, each containing a pool, barbeque pits, tables and chairs.

The revived Lexington project is being spearheaded by Eugene La Pietra, a local nightclub owner who had previously partnered with DS Ventures on the project.  However, don't expect to see shovels hit the dirt anytime soon.  Construction of the mixed-use complex will first require a change in both the property's land-use designation and zoning.

The earlier design for the Lexington, by VTBS Architects.  Image credit: BJA3D

• Final Environmental Impact Report: The Lexington Project (LADCP)

Another Mixed-User Headed to Santa Monica Boulevard

11852 Santa Monica Boulevard

Just as one of West Los Angeles' abandoned car dealership prepares for a mixed-use conversion, a similar development plan is emerging at the same intersection.  According to a recent case filing from LADCP, a quarter-acre lot at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Westgate Avenue is slated for a new residential-retail development.  Plans call for a four-story building, consisting of 39 apartments and ground-level commercial space.  The apartments and retail stalls would be served by a three-level subterranean parking garage.

The low-rise complex would rise directly across the street from a larger mixed-use development, proposed by the Hollywood-based CIM Group.  Their plans, recently discussed with members of the West Los Angeles Neighborhood Council, would create a four-story, 157-unit apartment building on the former site of Beurge Ford.

Adding to this momentum, other development schemes are percolating on properties further east.  CIM Group owns a second vacant car dealership nearby, although exact plans for the property have yet to crystallize.  Surprisingly, Curbed LA reports that development rumors have also surfaced at the former site of West Los Angeles' "Ghetto Vons."

11852 Santa Monica Boulevard

• 11852 W SANTA MONICA BLVD (LADCP)

West LA Car Dealership Making Way for Mixed-User

As reported by car-blogger Todd Bianco, West Los Angeles's Buerge Ford closed its doors this Spring after nearly 100 years of business.  However, the former car dealership's 1.3 acres of Santa Monica Boulevard will not sit vacant for long.  According to plans submitted to the city late last month, the property will soon be converted into a mixed-use apartment complex.  As indicated by the project's LADCP case filing, the proposed development would rise four stories, containing 157 dwelling units and slighty over 44,000 square feet of ground floor retail space.

Located at 11800 Santa Monica Boulevard, the new residential-retail complex would sit within shouting distance of several planned or under-construction developments.  Just two blocks east, West LA's former "Ghetto Vons," is being replaced by a new, pedestrian-friendly Pavilions supermarket.  Further north, developer Douglas Emmit, Inc. intends to construct a 34-story apartment tower on Wilshire Boulevard.

The apartment complex would also sit across Granville Avenue from a second empty dealership belonging to the Buerge Motor Car Company.  Perhaps a similar redevelopment scheme could be on the way?

•  Buerge Ford Bites the Dust (A Car is Not a Refridgerator)

• Case Information Summary Sheet (LADCP)