Encino investors drop resi complex plan in favor of eldercare facility

An Encino landlord has dropped plans to build an apartment complex after it encountered stiff opposition from a neighborhood group that complained it would boost traffic congestion and lacked parking.

Plans filed with the Los Angeles Planning Commission this week show that the landlord, Encino Investors LLC, is moving forward with an alternative plan to build a 123-unit eldercare facility on a parcel where a strip mall now stands.

The 115,886-square foot eldercare facility will include 107 assisted living units and 16 memory care guest rooms.

Barry Cowan, a spokesman for Encino, declined to comment on the revised plans.

In July 2018, Encino Investors had received approval to build the 114-unit rental complex at the site, but faced strong opposition from residents over the proposed scale and impact on traffic and parking.

The complex would have offered 65 one-bedroom units, 15 two-bedroom apartments, 32 studios and two live-work units. It also included 11 units for low-income families.

The new eldercare facility will be situated less than a mile from an assisted living complex and health club in Encino that is under development by Pacoima-based TriStar Realty Group.

Daniel Kashani, chief executive officer of Tri-Star Realty was surprised to learn of the Encino Investors gambit to shift gears on the project. “That’s news to me,” said Kashani, who is familiar with the project.

Last year, Kashani’s real estate firm announced plans to build a five-story, 97-room facility, and a two-story health club. TriStar purchased 1.75 acres of property along Ventura Boulevard and Genesta Avenue in March 2016 for about $10 million, he said.

Kashani told The Real Deal that he hopes to break ground on his project in early 2021. “That’s the hope.”