A proposal to build a mid-rise hotel and condominium complex in the Arts District has received the blessing of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission.

The Arts District Center development, which received the unanimous approval of the Commission, would replace a two-story commercial building at the corner of 5th and Colyton Streets with a 12-story structure featuring a 113-room hotel, 129 live/work condominiums, and 72,469 square feet of commercial space.  Plans also call for art galleries, artist production space, and parking for 304 vehicles.

Architecture firm Togawa Smith Martin's design envisions a boxy mid-rise structure, standing approximately 164 feet in height.  A glass exterior on the buildings upper levels - embedded with murals - would hover over a brick-clad base.

Art features display prominently throughout the project - including unique pieces planned for each hotel room. Additionally, the project's developer Kevin Chen has announced a partnership with LACMA to provide programming at the site.

Construction is expected to occur over approximately 30 months.  A groundbreaking date for Arts District Center has been not set.

Kevin Chen, a local entrepreneur who owns the clothing line Frankie B. Hollywood, is one of several investors with plans for similar mixed-use structures in the Arts District.

A block south at Palmetto Street, Bolour Associates is seeking entitlements for another 12-story building featuring rental housing and commercial space.

Beverly Hills-based developer Maxxam Enterprises has also announced plans for projects featuring apartments and retail on 5th and Mateo Streets.