First look at LA River-adjacent live/work complex

A new project headed for Elysian Valley (aka Frogtown) would bring a 52 live/work units to the LA River-adjacent neighborhood.

As seen in new renderings included in city planning documents, the complex from Uncommon Developers would take the form of two, three-story buildings connected with bridges and a long, landscaped courtyard running between both structures.

The developer is seeking permission from the city to build to a height of 41 feet. (That’s 11 feet taller than the height limit for the site at 1901 West Blake Avenue.)

The KFA Architecture-designed project would include five units affordable to very low income households, plus balconies, public and private roof decks, and parking for 58 cars.

With the increasing likelihood that this section of the LA River will soon undergo an ecological restoration that would bring more verdant plant life and recreation to this part of the river, there’s been more and more outside interest in Frogtown.

The neighborhood is bounded by the river and the the 5 Freeway to the east and west, with the 110 to the south and 2 to the north.

The traditionally working-class neighborhood has seen new projects come in, from hot new restaurants to stylish new apartments to mixed-users offering trendy coffee shops and hip retailers.