Killefer Flammang to Design Sonny Astani's "Valencia"

Last year, the LA Times reported that developer Sonny Astani was in the planning stages for a mixed-use project at the corner of Wilshire and Valencia.  Today, an initial study is out for the low-rise development, to be known as the Valencia.  Details read as follows: 1501 W Wilshire Blvd The project also includes a two-story gym and over 20,000 square feet of open space, divided between multiple courtyards and a dog run.  As with several other mixed-use developments in Westlake, the Valencia is moving forward with a reduced parking ratio (1.14 : 1).  Astani utilized the city’s Bicycle Parking Ordinance, passed into law earlier this year, to swap out 28 vehicular parking spaces for less costly bicycle accommodations. The Valencia’s EIR also revealed that Santa Monica based Killefer Flammang is the architectural firm behind the project’s design. While the grainy black and white images from the EIR provide only a glimpse at the Valencia’s appearance, exterior finishes are listed as metal, masonry/tile, plaster and glass.  KFA’s work in other parts of the city may also hint at what’s to come, examples of which include the NMS@Culver City and the Motor Avenue Apartments in Palms. Construction of the Valencia is expected to begin this year and wrap up in 2014.