New 22 Unit Subdivision Proposed for Windsor Square

Archeon International Group presented  plans to the Park Mile Specific Plan Design Review Board (DRB) on Thursday May 1st to build a 22 unit subdivision of townhouses on the current parking lot at 6th and Norton in Windsor Square.

The proposed 48,000 square foot development at 612 S Norton Ave would offer three-story individual townhomes for purchase, sitting atop a commercial parking structure serving the office building on Wilshire and Norton that currently uses the location for parking.

Chris Pak of Archeon International has brought some high density projects to the area including the giant Solair project in Koreatown on Western and Wilshire, across from the Wiltern Theatre, as well as the 12 unit Wilshire Condominiums that are now nearing completion on Wilshire at Rimpau.

Pak described the development as designed with “multiple facets and lots of fenestration.” The two long buildings, each having 11 units of three stories each, would be divided by a central courtyard space that would also serve as a “driving court” for residents to access their individual two-car garages located on the ground floor of each unit. Also included in the courtyard are two small pools and a lounge area (though it remains to be seen if there would actually be room for these amenities along with room enough for autos to turn and maneuver through the area.)  Access to the interior driving court would be both from 6th Street and from the alley backing the five story existing office building at 4055 Wilshire Blvd. Finish materials include a “dark iron spot” brick, panels of wood composite, zinc panels, aluminum sheets and glass. Fencing and walls were not included in this early design.

The contemporary design could be called lackluster at best – reminiscent of the many dull apartment complexes constructed recently on the westside, without any connection to the traditional 1920s architecture just to the north, nor taking a new stance at a more modernist design.

This was the first time Archeon brought their plans before the DRB and they confirmed they have not yet shared the concept with residents in the area, but are intending to do so. Perhaps noteworthy, the photos Archeon shared that put the development in context to the area, did not show any of the wonderful single family homes along Van Ness and Norton across Sixth Street that will face the new project, but instead featured the Wilshire Blvd frontage including the ugly five story complex standing where the famous Perino’s once graced the neighborhood.

The DRB encouraged Archeon to connect with the neighborhood and develop the plans further, but gave few guidelines on design at this time, talking instead about things such as automobile access. Archeon is expected to bring their design before stakeholders in the area and the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council soon.

What do you think of this proposed development?

The long line-up of 11 units in each bank would have a central paved courtyard for cars to access garages.