Mixed-use project in LA combines apartments and a museum

Mixed-use projects usually match homes with offices, shops or restaurants. But Toledo Capital Development wants to combine affordable housing in Boyle Heights with a museum for Chicano art.

The Boyle Heights-based developer led by Alfred Fraijo Jr. has filed plans for a 19-unit apartment building and a six-story museum at 2141 East Cesar Chavez Avenue, Urbanize Los Angeles reported. It would replace a commercial storefront.

Both buildings would be fast-tracked by L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’ Executive Directive 1, which streamlines city approvals for affordable housing.

The project, dubbed Xola, would include a 96-foot-tall Museo de Arte Chicano LA in front, according to plans filed with the city.

In back would be a 10-story, 126-foot-tall complex with 19 one-, two- and three-bedroom affordable apartments set aside for households with moderate-, low- and very low-incomes.

Designed by Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao, the complex would be built on less than 0.18 acres with buildings sheathed in glass and brick, rooftop decks and a courtyard breezeway.

The Xola development is one of a handful of ED1 projects planned in Boyle Heights, including a 51-unit complex near 1st and Soto streets.

Developers have also proposed mixed-income and market-rate projects, including a 50-unit building at 2115 East Cesar Chavez Avenue.

— Dana Bartholomew