Last week, the Los Angeles City Council has voted to adopt environmental studies for mixed-use projects in Downtown and Sawtelle, allowing three developers to move forward with plans for new housing, retail, and a hotel.  All three projects have already received determination letters granting approvals for discretionary entitlements.

In Sawtelle, the City Council has approved a final environmental impact report for the Santa Monica Barrington development, named for its location at the intersection of the same name.  The proposed five-story building would feature 180 apartments - including 20 reserved for very low-income households - and a 65,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market.  Plans also call for a 594-car garage for use by residents and customers of Whole Foods.

Construction of the project is expected to occur over approximately 24 months.

The Council also voted to approve a Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment for a proposed mixed-use affordable housing complex at the intersection of 6th and San Pedro Streets in Downtown Los Angeles.  

The project, which is being developed by Weingart Center, calls for redeveloping a surface parking lot with an 18-story tower containing 302 apartments - including 298 restricted affordable units - and 10,230 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.  Parking for 212 vehicles would be built in an adjoining garage.

Weingart Center is planning a similar project a block north on a property which abuts the service provider's headquarters.

The third study approved by the City Council was a final environmental impact report for the Arts District Center development, which is slated to replace a two-story commercial building at 5th and Colyton Streets in the Arts District.  Plans call for a 12-story structure containing 129 live/work condominiums, a 113-room hotel, and approximately 72,469 square feet of commercial space.  Parking for 304 vehicles would be located in a subterranean garage.

The project is being developed by local entrepreneur Kevin Chen and designed by Togawa Smith Martin.

Construction is anticipated to occur over 30 months.