Developer RBM of California has razed a small commercial building in Palms, clearing the way for the construction of a new residential-retail complex.

The proposed development, located at 3568 Motor Avenue, would consist of a six-story building featuring 42 one-bedroom apartments and 1,800 square feet of street-fronting retail space.  Plans also call for four units of affordable housing, and amenities such as a fitness center, a swimming pool, a rooftop deck and a 50-car parking garage.

DE Architects is designing the podium-type development, following a similar project with RBM on Pico Boulevard.

The project has recently become the target of a lawsuit by families at neighboring Palms Elementary School.  The Los Angeles Times reports that their lawsuit argues that the project could expose children to toxic dust and other materials during construction, and that the noise created during the course of the buildout could have adverse effects on students who use assistive devices for hearing.