Prolific local developer Wiseman Residential has broken ground on a mixed-use apartment complex in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood.

The approximately half-acre project site, located just north of 9th Street along La Brea Avenue, is currently in the midst of excavation.  Approved plans call for the construction of a six-story building at the property, containing 53 apartments - including six extremely low-income units - above ground-floor retail space.

Permit records list the project architect as Uriu & Associates.  The Glendale-based firm designs many projects for Wiseman.

The development is rising just two blocks south of the intersection of La Brea and Wilshire Boulevard, where construction is now underway the first station on Metro's Purple Line subway extension.

Several other developments are planned within walking distance of the station, including a hotel and condo complex which would replace a stretch of commercial buildings along La Brea and a $400-million apartment tower on Wilshire.