The original Guitar Center location in Hollywood is primed for some new neighbors, according to an application submitted this month to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning.

The proposed project, which would rise at 7441 W. Sunset Boulevard, is slated for a corner lot at Sunset's intersection with Gardner Street. Plans call for razing three existing commercial building - two of which are more than 100 years old - to clear the way for a new seven-story edifice featuring 123 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments above approximately 6,445 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and semi-subterranean parking for 107 vehicles.

View looking northwest from SunsetWorks Progress Architecture

Uncommon, the local real estate investment firm behind the project, is seeking approvals for Transit Oriented Communities incentives to permit a larger building with more housing than would otherwise be allowed by zoning rules. In exchange, 10 of the new apartments are to be set aside for rent as affordable housing at the extremely low-income level.

Works Progress Architecture is designing the Sunset Boulevard apartments, which would also include a ground-floor common room, a terrace courtyard at the third floor, and a rooftop sky deck with a pool.

"The proposed seven-story mixed use complex would be built in a contemporary style with large arches at ground level along the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gardner Street to break up the massing of the building and allow for light and visual access into the primary entry court," reads findings included with the project application. "Proposed building materials include white limestone, cement plaster, brushed aluminum metal railings, and large storefront windows to provide visual interest along the facade."

Aerial view looking northwestWorks Progress Architecture

The proposed project would sit across the street from Greystar's Rae on Sunset apartments, a new 200-unit residential-retail complex which is now wrapping up work. That site, along with the 7441 Sunset property, are visibly shaped by the former Pacific Electric Railway. The iconic Red Car system's Hollywood Line and Laurel Canyon Shuttle once had a junction at the intersection of Sunset and Gardner.

Uncommon, in addition to its new Hollywood project, is also working with Works Progress Architecture on more than 200 apartments in Chatsworth and a planned 405-unit complex in Van Nuys.

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter / Facebook / LinkedIn / Threads / Instagram