Developer seeks zoning change for DTLA affordable housing project

A developer of multi-family apartments has proposed a five-story, mixed-use building with 109 affordable units on the border of Downtown Los Angeles.

Agoura Hills-based AMCAL Multi-Housing has set aside all but one of the units as affordable. The other will be for the manager, Urbanize reported. The project will include 10,500 square feet of retail space and parking for 57 vehicles.

The retail space will be divided into 4,450 square feet of retail, 2,650 square feet for a restaurant and 3,400 square feet of office space.

The project will be located at 220 E. Washington Boulevard, at the southeast corner of Washington Boulevard and Los Angeles Street, on the outskirts of Downtown.

AMCAL’s project asks for a zone change, because part of the planned development is classified as industrial. The developer will seek the change through Measure JJJ, which provides exemptions to developers who add affordable housing units. Incentives given to developers include reduced parking requirements and the ability to build taller apartments. The incentives are for developments within half a mile of a major transit stop, and have become a major part of the city’s effort to keep housing prices down.

The site is between the Blue Line’s San Pedro and Grand Stations and within the area of the South and Southeast L.A. Community Plan. It is also near the future site of the $1.2 billion mixed-use development now known as “Broadway Square Los Angeles,” which will include apartments, retail and a hotel component.

AMCAL’s apartment development includes a portfolio of 6,500 multi-family units, including affordable, market-rate and student housing. The affordable units include Broadway Villas in Southeast Los Angeles and Palo Verde Terrace in Palmdale. [Urbanize] –Hannah Madans