Next week, the Los Angeles City Planning Commission will consider a proposal to construct a multifamily residential development in Encino.

The project, which comes from an entity called Encino Investors, LLC, would involve the demolition of two small commercial office buildings at 16161 W. Ventura Boulevard to allow for the construction of a seven-story edifice that would feature 114 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, as well as two live-work units.  Plans also call for 114 vehicle parking spaces at-grade and in two basement levels.

TCA Architects is designing the contemporary podium-type building, which sits immediately west of a 13-story office building.  The project will incorporate open space amenities such as terrace decks and a fitness center.

A handful of nearby residents and property owners have appealed the project's approvals from the City of Los Angeles.  Their arguments include an assertion that the project is out of scale with the surrounding community, and that residential uses are inappropriate on a predominantly commercial stretch of Ventura Boulevard.  The Planning Department's staff report recommends that the Planning Commission reject the appeal.