Work is now kicking into high gear of Casden West L.A., the long-awaited mixed-use development next to Metro's Expo/Sepulveda Station.

The project, which is being developed by Carmel Partners, will create approximately 595 apartments and 15,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space on a former cement plan flanking Pico Boulevard.  Permit filings indicate that buildings within the development could rise as tall as 13 stories above an underground parking garage for 1,000 vehicles.

VTBS Architects is handling design work for the project, with assistance from Bennitt Design.  A site plan shows a series of buildings centered around a landscaped courtyard, as well as a transit plaza between the property and the adjacent light rail station.

Carmel's development is the first of a handful of large mixed-use projects planned around Westside Expo Line Stations, and including Lowe Enterprises' Ivy Station.

Update: Per the Real Deal, the project is now under the ownership of Carmel Partners.