Construction is slated to begin two years from now for an apartment tower just south of the Beverly Center shopping mall, according to an initial study published last week by the City of Los Angeles.

The proposed development, which would rise next to the Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon Catholic Cathedral, calls for the construction of a 19-story building featuring 153 apartments - including 17 affordable units - and a five-level, 397-car parking garage for uses by residents and the church.  The project also calls for the deconstruction and reassembly of the existing church, as well as the addition of a non-functioning bell tower and a three-story structure featuring offices, meeting rooms, and a multi-purpose room.

Nadel Architects is designing the tower, which would stand approximately 225 feet in height.  The initial study states that the building draws inspiration from the northwest-to-southeast orientation of the cathedral, resulting in a mix of angled forms and an exterior of precast concrete, metal panels, and textured plaster which would be colored in shades of cream, off-white, and tan.

Landscaping would line the tower's perimeter, including multiple ground-floor patios.  Plans also call for pool and recreation decks at the building's fourth floor, a common room, and a fitness center.

Construction of the Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon tower is anticipated to begin in 2021 and be completed by 2024.

The project follows several tall residential developments now planned or under construction in the Beverly Grove neighborhood, including a proposed 16-story building across the street at 333 S. La Cienega Boulevard and the Four Seasons Private Residences on Wetherly Drive.