Take a look at the huge mixed use complex planned next to MacArthur Park

Plans for a major new Westlake development that would tower over MacArthur Park are moving forward, with the Los Angeles City Planning Commission scheduled to weigh in on the project next week.

A report from planning staff (spotted by Urbanize LA) provides new details and an early glimpse of what the project might look like. Dubbed the Lake on Wilshire, it would convert a 14-story medical office building into a 220-room hotel. From the adjacent parking lot, a 41-story residential tower would rise, along with a five-story cultural center with an auditorium and classroom space.

The development is proposed for 1930 Wilshire Boulevard, just a block from both MacArthur Park and the subway stop across the street. It would include 478 apartments, including 39 set aside for very low-income tenants.

In addition to the auditorium, the cultural center would include a cafe, offices and conference rooms, and a rooftop garden. The hotel would have a restaurant on the ground-floor and a business center for guests.

In total, the complex would include 11 levels of parking, both above and below-ground, with 933 spots for cars and 629 bike spaces.

The complex is being designed by local architecture firm Archeon Group. Renderings show the glassy residential tower would have a wavy design, with undulating balconies and a rooftop amenity deck.

The cultural center would have a colorful and abstract facade with mosaic glass tiles and frescoes that plans say are inspired by artwork found at an ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka.

If approved by the planning commission and city council, the project is expected to take about 32 months to build, with work wrapping up around 2020.

Via Department of City Planning

Department of City Planning

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