The owner of a duplex near USC intends to subdivide the underlying property and construct four small-lot houses, according to the agenda of next week's meeting of the South L.A. Area Planning Commission.

The property, located at the northeast corner of Orchard Avenue and 27th Street, was built to its current form in the late 1940s.  Developer Ursa Major Holdings.  Each of the proposed houses would feature 2,000-square-foot floor plans, containing three bedrooms, a two-car garage, common areas and a rooftop patio.

Vanos Architects is designing the project, which is described as featuring Italianate style architecture.  The buildings are oriented to appear as two structures, rather than four.

The Planning Department's staff report recommends that the Commission uphold the project's past approvals, despite two appeals arguing against that the proposed development is incompatible with the University Park neighborhood's historic qualities.