Construction is underway in the old movie theater located across the street from the Kirk Douglas Theater on Washington Boulevard. This $63 million, multifamily project will include restaurants and retail shops on the ground floor and is within walking distance of the new light rail station.
The project, developed by NMS Properties, will reserve 11 percent of the 131 units for low- income residents.
“We find the redevelopment progam and streetscape emerging along Washington Boulevard in Culver City extremely attractive,” said Jim Andersen, president of the development firm, “and believe our project will further enhance the streetscape renaissance occurring there.”
Andersen believes, the project will have great appeal to the employees of companies such as Sony and the Brotman Memorial Hospital, which are adjacent to the project.
“In the pre-construction period, he said, “we studied the project’s sub-market area and concluded there was great demand for modern apartment homes with high-end finishes. In addition, renters are going to find the building’s design unlike others in the area.”
“The excitement of the building is reflected most predominantly in the balcony geometries,” said Wade Killefer, design principal of Killefer Flammang Architects.
“The balconies, which front the left and right sides of the structure, are clad by alternating metal panels—some solid, others perforated. A deeply recessed band accents the fifth and sixth story mezzanines and reinforces the building’s compelling image.”
To provide maximum natural light for the interiors a large landscaped tenant-oriented courtyard will separate the building into two distinct masses connected by walkways which overlook the open-air courtyard. A second courtyard is oriented Hughes Avenue.
“The stucco exterior will include metal panels and complement The Douglas theater coloration. Interestingly,” Killefer said, “the 39,000 square-foot site formerly was occupied by a movie theater with three levels of below-grade parking.”
This parking area will serve the new building after it is seismically upgraded. The project is planned for completion in spring of 2013.