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Politics & Government

Council Sends Hayworth Condo Back to the Drawing Board, Again

City Council rejects plans for an ultra-modern, four-story, 17-unit condo building at 1350 N. Hayworth Ave. since it fails to incorporate the changes suggested in September.

The City Council sent a condominium proposal back to the drawing boards at its Tuesday night meeting after the project failed to incorporate suggested alterations.

The owner of the property at 1350 Hayworth Ave. is proposing to demolish a 1940s era two-story, 16-unit apartment building to construct a four-story, 17-unit luxury condominium building.

The project came before the City Council at its Sept. 6 meeting, where the council rejected the ultra-modern design, saying it did not fit with the character of the street and was too large in comparison to the other buildings in the neighborhood.

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The block of Hayworth between Sunset and Fountain is comprised chiefly of one- and two-story apartment buildings built between the 1910s and 1950s.

The block is also home to the historically designated, mid-Century-modern Hollywood Riviera apartment building, designed by renowned architect Edward Fickett. Because the property at 1350 Hayworth sits beside the Hollywood Riviera, the council was particularly sensitive to it fitting in with its neighbor to the north.

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The architect came back with a slightly modified design – a project that is 2,200 square feet smaller with greater setbacks from the sidewalk and three-stories in the front, but four stories at the back of the property.

During public comment, each of the approximately 20 speakers spoke against the project, noting that project was “ugly,” would reduce property values on the street, was too massive, and did not substantially differ from the earlier design.

The council agreed with the residents. Mayor John Duran did not like the project and said it was not compatible with the neighborhood.

Councilwoman Abbe Land said the project should enhance the neighborhood rather than distract from it. She also criticized the design, pointing out that the council had given specific direction for changes that were not incorporated.

Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Prang said this version was an improvement, but still did not “hit the mark.”

The council voted unanimously to continue the item to an unspecified date when the architect returns with new designs.

The council further instructed the architect and city staff to include neighborhood residents in the design meetings. City Hall staff was also criticized for not including residents in earlier meetings, as they had instructed when the project came up in September.  

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