Hollywood's Montecito Apartments, once the stomping grounds of movie stars, has served in the less glamorous role of senior affordable housing since the mid-1980s.  Now, the owner of the Art Deco icon at 6650 W. Franklin Avenue is looking to expand upon the property's offerings.

Earlier today, nonprofit developer Thomas Safran & Associates submitted an application to the City of Los Angeles to construct a new building on the surface parking lot which wraps the Montecito.  A case filing describes the proposed development as featuring 68 units of affordable housing and 104 parking spaces.  The new construction will be linked to its historic neighbor through a common lobby.

The project would be contingent on density bonus incentives allowing an increase in height and a reduction in required rear and side yards.

Additional details about the proposal are currently unclear.

The age and stature of the Montecito Apartments will inevitably result in additional scrutiny for the proposed ground-up development.  Built in 1935 with designs from architect Marcus P. Miller, the Montecito is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been described as "one of the finest examples of the Art Deco style, with Mayan influence detailing."

Several market rate developments are also in the pipeline nearby, including projects now under construction at 1737 Las Palmas Avenue and 1840 Highland Avenue.