New Developments in Venice: A Neat Blend of Apartments and Retail

A Fresh Face on Hampton Drive

Picture this: the corner of 825 S. Hampton Drive making waves in Venice’s Abbot Kinney corridor. The Los Angeles City Planning Commission just gave the green light to a swanky new mixed-use development. Say goodbye to those five old commercial buildings—it’s time for something fresh.

What’s on the Menu?

Developed by Steven Fogel of SJF Venice, LLC, and Westwood Financial Corporation, this project isn’t just about looking good. It’s about bringing together the best of two worlds: living and shopping. Get ready for 30 new apartments, 3,416 square feet of retail space, and a cozy 818-square-foot restaurant with 31 seats. Oh, and let’s not forget—it’s got the permits to serve alcohol. Cheers to that!

Where Luxury Meets Function

This development, dreamt up by David Hidalgo Architects, covers 36,716 square feet. Inside, you’ll find 50 underground parking spots, room for 64 bikes, a courtyard, a rooftop deck spreading over 3,324 square feet, and a gym to keep you in shape. Out of the 30 apartments, expect a mix: five studios, 14 one-bedrooms, and 11 two-bedrooms. Heroically, three units are reserved for very low-income households.

Going Beyond the Limits

So, how does it all fit together? The commission threw in a density bonus for good measure. This allows for a 32.4% floor area ratio bump, reaching 1.98:1. It also stretches the height to a cheeky 44 feet 7 inches, quite a leap from the typical Venice Coastal Zone’s 30 feet limit. And yes, they got a waiver for an 11-foot 6-inch roof access structure.

Trees and Traffic: A Balancing Act

The location, near Brooks Avenue and Abbot Kinney Boulevard, will sport a landscaped plaza, three brand-new street trees, and one old-timer tree sticking around. The aim? To ramp up housing while sprucing up the area’s vibe. However, some locals whisper about potential traffic headaches. But hey, what’s Venice without a touch of chaos?

Compliant and Ready to Roll

The project checks all the right boxes. It aligns with the Coastal Act, Mello Act, and the 2021-2029 Housing Element. Plus, there were no former residential units on-site, so no need for replacement housing. It’s all systems go.

Breaking Ground Soon

So when does the magic start? Word on the street is, construction will kick off later this year. It’s a fresh chapter for Venice, blending style, functionality, and a sip of wine on a rooftop deck. Keep your eyes peeled—this one’s worth watching.

Stay tuned to What Now Los Angeles for more updates!