A presentation to the Mar Vista Community Council has revealed a rendering for 12444 Venice Boulevard, the first of two Mar Vista developments planned by local real estate firm Crimson Holdings.

The proposed mixed-use complex, first reported by the Real Deal LA, would rise from the southeast corner of Venice Boulevard and Wasatch Avenue, replacing a shopping center.  Plans filed with the City of Los Angeles call for a five-story structure, featuring 77 residential units, 2,100 square feet of ground-floor retail space and parking accommodations for 75 vehicles and 89 bicycles.  Seven of the building's aparrtments would be set aside as affordable housing.

According to the Argonaut, several members of the surrounding community have voiced objections, some arguing against the proposed building's height, while others asserted that it would not provide enough parking.  A letter written to the City Planning Department by 11th District Councilmember Mike Bonin echoed these concerns.

However, Crimson notes in its presentation that the proposed development does not request special entitlements, and is actually planned at a smaller scale than the property's zoning would allow.

Streetsblog LA argued that the project symbolizes the city's often conflicting agendas, with requests for additional parking running counter to Venice Boulevard's designation as a pedestrian-friendly "Great Street."