An upcoming presentation to the L.A. City Planning Commission offers a first look at a new live/work development proposed along the west bank of the Los Angeles River.
Uncommon Developers, a Los Angeles-based firm best known for a campus project in Chatsworth, filed plans in 2017 to construct a 52-unit development at 1901 W. Blake Avenue in Frogtown. The project would price five units for very-low-income households, and also provide 58 parking spaces in a subterranean garage.
Santa Monica-based KFA Architecture is designing the proposed development, which would consist of two connected three-story buildings with a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments. A central courtyard would run between the buildings, which would be connected above by bridges. Other open spaces would include a 5,500-square-foot landscaped courtyard and an indoor community room, as well as public and private roof decks.
A design narrative included with the presentation states that it "borrows from the vernacular of vintage industrial buildings," while incorporating residential design features, including shading devices and landscaping.
A staff report recommends that the Commission approve Uncommon's project.
The Blake Avenue apartments join a handful of similar residential developments that have recently come to Frogtown, including a pair of mixed-use projects with offices, homes, and retail.
The project site is also located close to a new pedestrian bridge across the L.A. River that is set to begin construction this usmmer.
