After what has seemed like a weekly parade of controversial developments making their way through City Hall, developer Rick Caruso's proposed 19-story tower in Beverly Grove has almost quietly received the unanimous approval of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission.

The $155-million project, slated for a property at 333 S. La Cienega Boulevard, would consist of feature 154 residential units and nearly 30,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.  In receiving the approval of the PLUM Committee, Caruso has agreed to provide 14 units of affordable housing within the building - a slight increase from when the project was endorsed by the Mid City West Community Council last month.

5th District Councilmember Paul Koretz was also supportive of the development.

As designed by Gensler, 333 La Cienega also calls for a number of public realm improvements surrounding the development site.  These streetscape and mobility upgrades include protected bike lanes, landscaped medians, new crosswalks and a park-like plaza at the foot of the tower.

Caruso's project is seen as a follow-up to his 8500 Burton Way development across the street, which boasts a ground-floor Trader Joe's and a penthouse which commands rents in excess of $40,000 per month.

The proposed development is expected to break ground in 2017, building upon the $500-million remodel of the Beverly Center to reshape La Cienega Boulevard.