Essex Hollywood, a $54-million mixed-use development next to the historic Earl Carroll Theatre, has officially started construction.

The project, which is being built by McCormick Construction, will consist of a seven-story building at 6240 Sunset Boulevard, replacing what is now a surface parking lot.  Plans call for 200 multifamily units, in addition to 4,700 square feet of ground-floor retail space, two levels of underground parking, and amenities such as a dog park, a fitness center, a sky deck and a swimming pool.

TCA Architects is designing the podium-type building, which will incorporate a mid-block paseo spanning between Sunset Boulevard and Leland Avenue.  The pedestrian walkway will also link to the adjacent theatre.

Developer Essex Property Trust expects construction to occur over roughly 26 months, with a targeted completion date of December 2019.