A 121-year-old apartment house in Westlake could be redeveloped with a larger multifamily residential building, according to an application submitted in January to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning.

Cambria Street elevationArcaforma

The proposed project, which would replace a six-unit building at 1537-1543 W. Cambria Street, calls for the construction of a new six-story edifice featuring 44 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments - including five units reserved as affordable housing at the extremely low-income level - with semi-subterranean parking for 22 vehicles.

Project applicant Shahco, Inc. - an affiliate of the La Jolla-based company New Real Estate Market - is seeking the approval of Transit Oriented Communities development incentives, allowing for a larger structure than would otherwise be permitted due to the property's base zoning.  The bonuses could be granted due to the property's location near high-frequency bus stops, as well as the inclusion of on-site affordable housing.

Arcaforma is designing the proposed project, called Cambria Terrace, which is depicted in conceptual images as a contemporary low-rise structure clad in smooth stucco.  Planned on-site amenities include a pair of rooftop decks.

1537-1543 Cambria StreetGoogle Street View

The existing building, which was completed in 1900, has been owned by the developer since 2003.  The property last sold for $425,000.

The project site sits directly across the street from the site of The Cambria, a five-story, 57-unit affordable apartment building completed last year by San Diego-based developer Affirmed Housing.

A block southeast at the intersection of 8th and Valencia Streets, a five-story, 60-unit development with ground-floor retail space is planned by 4Site Real Estate.

1537-1543 Cambria StreetGoogle Maps