Multifamily residential buildings dating to the 1920s in Pico-Union could make way for new affordable housing, according to a notice issued by the City of Los Angeles.

The notice of exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act relates to a property at 2553-2555 W. 12th Street, which is currently improved with four dwelling units, according to city records. Plans call for razing those structures, clearing the way for a new five-story, 58-foot-tall building which would feature 29 apartments - including 22 for low-income households, six for moderate-income households, and one manager's unit.

2553 W 12th StreetGoogle Street View

A project description indicates the building would have approximately 13,600 square feet of floor area, and would not include parking for automobiles.

JZA Architecture is designing the apartment complex, which would include a mix of studio, one-, and three-bedroom dwellings, as well as amenities such as a reading room, a gym, a rooftop deck, and a rear yard.

"The core concept of the design begins with the expressed exterior stair at the front elevation," reads a narrative posted to the JZA website. "Attracting attention through the open, brightly colored exterior design, the use of diagonal line on the elevation to provide a simple but powerful movement divide the building. The diagonal line distinguishes the different treatment of building materials and the density of screens, creates an emotional façade with dynamic shadow environments and conditions of illumination at night. Staggered balconies along the front and rear elevations, provide outdoor space for living units, but also create depth and cast shadows on the facades. Exterior finishes include two types of smooth finish exterior plasters and thin-brick veneers at the ground floor."

2553 W 12th StreetGoogle Maps

City records list the project applicant as an entity called 2553 W. 12th St., LLC. Based on the individuals involved, as well as the address, the company behind the entity is Tripalink, a development and property management firm with numerous multifamily projects in the works in Los Angeles.

The project site is located just southwest of a full city block at 1000 S. Vermont Avenue where developer Grubb Properties has commenced with site prep for a mixed-use project which will feature 228 apartments above a Target store at street level.

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Looking for affordable housing? Visit lahousing.lacity.org/aahr and housing.lacounty.gov

California's 2022 state income limits

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