Uncommon Developers dunk appeal against 405-unit apartment complex in Van Nuys

ART: Jason Larian and Ryan Hekmat, co-founders, Uncommon Developers here and here.  6728 Sepulveda Boulevard here, credit Works Progress Architecture. And here, credit same. TRD treatment here. 

Uncommon Developers has pushed back a union-backed appeal trying to block a 405-unit apartment complex in Van Nuys.

The Chatsworth-based developer had won approval from the Los Angeles Planning Commision, which has shot down the appeal against the proposed six-story building at 6728 Sepulveda Boulevard, south of Vanowen Street, Urbanize Los Angeles reported. 

The appeal was filed by the Supporters Alliance for Environmental Responsibility, backed by the laborer’s union, which claimed the 2.2-acre project could impact the environment and should be subject to further study. A staff report recommended denial of the appeal.

Plans call for a long, rectangular U-shaped complex with 405 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments above a partially underground parking garage for 556 cars.

Project approvals include Transit Oriented Communities incentives that allow a larger building than local zoning rules allow in exchange for 41 affordable apartments for extremely low-income households.

The salmon-and-white stucco complex, designed by Works Progress Architecture,based in the Arts District, has rounded and sharp corners, with jutting balconies. It includes a courtyard patio and swimming pool, as well as a rooftop terrace.

Uncommon Developers, known for building the mixed-use headquarters campus of MGA Entertainment in Chatsworth, has proposed a slew of apartment buildings across Los Angeles.

In March, the developer filed plans to build a seven-story, 255-unit apartment building at 17829 West Halsted Street, in Northridge, just east of Cal State Northridge.

Its co-founders are Jason Larian, son of billionaire toymaker Isaac Larian, CEO of MGA Entertainment, and Ryan Hekmat, who is married to Isaac Larian’s daughter. The offices of Uncommon Developers are inside the MGA headquarters building.

Uncommon projects include apartments in North Hills, Inglewood, Hollywood, West Hollywood and Chatsworth. 

In January, the nonprofit Yes In My Back Yard sued L.A. after the City Council refused to allow Uncommon Developers to use a fast-track affordable housing option to build a seven-story, 360-unit complex at 8217 North Winnetka Avenue in the San Fernando Valley.

— Dana Bartholomew

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