Steven Sharp WELCOME HOME

Earlier this week, nonprofit developers Abode Communities and Mercy Housing California convened in Wilmington to celebrate the groundbreaking of Vista del Mar and Camino del Mar, a new collection of 176 affordable homes. In addition to housing, the $71 million development will offer 35,000 square feet of open and recreational space, as well as features uch as a computer lab, bicycle parking and on-site social services. The property also is located in close proximity to the Wilmington Waterfront Park.

Under a new arrangement announced by WEHOville, the proposed northern extension of Metro’s Crenshaw/LAX Line could begin construction earlier than currently planned. In a letter to West Hollywood City Councilmember Lindsey Horvath, Metro CEO Phil Washington provided insight on the agency’s effort to bring the planned light rail extension to “shovel ready,” condition, in the event that Los Angeles County voters approve the transportation ballot initiative Measure M. These steps include the completion of a feasibility study for the northern extension by June 2017 and an environmental impact report on the preferred route in 2018.

Just three years after opening, an expansion is planned for the Stella Marina del Rey Apartments. The existing complex, located at 13488 W. Maxella Avenue, features 244 luxury apartments above ground-floor retail and restaurant place. According to plans submitted to the City of Los Angeles, the expansion would create an additional 65 residential units in a six-story structure. The project would require discretionary approvals by the City, including a zone change.

At long last, light appears at the end of the tunnel for MyFigueroa. Last week, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation announced that construction will start in October for the long-awaited makeover of the Figueroa Corridor. The $20-million project will provide a variety of streetscape improvements between Downtown Los Angeles and Exposition Park, including protected bike lanes, new bus platforms and landscaping. Segments of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and 11th Street will also see upgrades under the plan.

Two industrial buildings located east of Exposition Park may be converted into residential units. Last Friday, plans were filed with the City of Los Angeles to transform the one- and two-story complex at 3761 S. Hill Street into 33 live-work quarters for “artists and artisans.” City records list the property’s owner as the limited liability company Hard Property. The developer is being represented by Los Angeles-based Segal + Rea Architecture. Across the freeway, a proposal from the Irvine-based Spectrum Group would create a hotel, residential and retail complex on a current surface parking lot.

An automobile repair business in Mid City could give way for a mixed-use development. Earlier this week, plans were submitted to the City of Los Angeles to construct a residential-retail complex on a quarter-acre site at 5835 W. Pico Boulevard. A case filing from the Department of City Planning list the project as a four-story structure featuring 28 apartments - including three units of very low income housing - seated above street-level retail space and two levels of underground parking.

San Francisco-based real estate manager Pacific Eagle Holdings has announced plans for Cavalleri, the condominium conversion of the Villa Malibu apartment complex. The project, located on a gated 10-acre site near Zuma Beach, will feature 68 two- and three-bedroom residences ranging from 1,577 square feet to 2,200 square feet. Communal amenities will include a 52-foot swimming pool, a fitness center, an outdoor dining pavilion, two tennis courts and dog parks. Cavalleri’s design team includes Edmonds + Lee Architects and Pamela Burton & Company.

Recent years have seen a slew of surface parking lots in Koreatown give way for mixed-use developments. Now investors are coming for parking structures. Yesterday, plans were filed with the City of Los Angeles to construct a 132-unit apartment complex at 635 S. Western Avenue. The proposed development would add five floors atop the four-level Wilshire Center Financial Garage, creating a nine-story building. City records indicate that the project would preserve an existing 900-square-foot retail stall.

According to a document from the Los Angeles City Council, yet another mixed-use development may be in the works for El Pueblo. A motion authored by 14th District Councilmember Jose Huizar directs the various city departments to prepare and release a request for proposals for the development of El Pueblo’s Lot 2. The two-acre parking lot, bounded by Cesar E Chavez Avenue, Spring and Main Streets, currently serves visitors to Olvera Street and several nearby museums.

Southern California homebuilder Warmington Residential has announced the start of construction for its latest small lot subdivision. The Glen LA, slated for the San Fernando neighborhood of Valley Glen, will consist of 63 “eco-conscious” homes near the Tujunga Wash Greenway. Each unit will feature 3-4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, with floor plans of up to 2,100 square feet. Plans also call for a number of amenities, including customizable finishes, attached two-car garages, balconies, dual-pane windows and private rooftop decks.