A vacant lot near the Orange Line busway in Valley Village has been cleared of brush and now has protective fencing surrounding it, signaling the start of work on a new mixed-use development.

The development site, located at 12444 Chandler Boulevard, is slated for the construction of a five-story edifice containing 69 one- and two bedroom apartments - including nine affordable units - above 4,250 square feet of ground-floor retail space and parking for 136 vehicles on two subterranean levels.

GMPA Architects is designing the podium-type development, which is split into five component pieces to give the appearance of multiple buildings rather than a single large structure.  Residents of the building will have access to amenities such as a recreation deck, a community room, and a gym.

An entity called LI Investment Properties is listed as the developer of the project.

Though the Orange Line has not attracted investment in the same way that some of Metro's light rail and subway lines have, a handful of low-rise developments have sprouted along its path - particularly in North Hollywood.