West Los Angeles' Sawtelle Corridor has received a new lease on life in recent years, as trendy stores and restaurants have poured into the historic Japanese American enclave. Now, a new development could add extra pedestrian traffic to the busy commercial corridor. According to a recent LADCP case filing, a new mixed-use development is proposed at 1947 Sawtelle Boulevard, with plans calling for 73 apartment units and an unspecified amount of street-level commercial space. The low-rise project would require the demolition of the West Los Angeles YMCA, a three-story structure which has stood at the corner of Sawtelle and La Grange Avenue since the early 1970s.
Like most large scale developments in West Los Angeles, traffic congestion will likely reign as the chief concern of future neighbors. Two mixed-use projects planned near Expo Line stations at Sepulveda Boulevard and Bundy Drive have faced opposition from some Westside residents over their anticipated impacts on already-gridlocked streets. One block north of the YMCA redevelopment, a proposed apartment complex recently cut its ground-floor retail component, citing traffic concerns raised by neighbors.
- Case Information Summary Sheet (LADCP)
I think the neighbors are fighting a losing battle by resisting retail. Sawtelle is already past the point of no return on its suburban history. It's better to embrace carefully designed and integrated urban retail setting than fighting it like this... which will inevitably result in uneven development and worsen the traffic they are so concerned about.
ReplyDeleteOn a slightly unrelated note, with Expo line arriving in about a year from now, I thought we would see a redevelopment of the Best Buy site at Pico/Sawtelle. Kind of surprised that it is still there with its large surface parking lot.
I agree on both counts. I'd rather see the neighborhood work to ensure the best product possible, rather than fight the inevitable.
DeleteI've frequented that Best Buy many times over the years, but it's days are probably numbered given long term trends and the upcoming train station. The existing building has terrible urban design; I recall someone commenting that it meets the street like the back of a DVD player.
More like back of a VCR :) given really how outdated the building design interfaces with its surrounding.
DeleteIf you would like to voice your support for the redevelopment project, there is a West LA Neighborhood council meeting this Tuesday, March 3rd @ 6:30pm For PLUM. Located at 1645 Corinth Ave Los Angeles, CA 90025. *Entrance at the west side of the building. Any Further Questions please call 310-431-8152.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.1947sawtelle.com/
If you would like to voice your support for the redevelopment project, there is a West LA Neighborhood council meeting this Tuesday, March 3rd @ 6:30pm For PLUM. Located at 1645 Corinth Ave Los Angeles, CA 90025. *Entrance at the west side of the building. Any Further Questions please call 310-431-8152.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.1947sawtelle.com/