A proposal to construct a mixed-use high-rise development in the Fashion District has gained the unanimous approval of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission at a hearing yesterday.

The Fashion District Residences - a joint venture between Realm Group and Urban Offerings - would replace a surface parking lot at 7th and Maple Streets with a 33-story, 370-foot-tall tower containing 452 apartments atop ground-floor commercial space and parking for 561 vehicles.  The proposal calls for a mix of unit types, including 19 live/work dwellings and 50 units of affordable housing.

The tower, designed by Humphreys & Partners Architects, has seen minor revisions since first emerging one year ago.  The podium structure, which features parking and an amenity deck, has been redesigned to better connect with the horizontal bands of pre-cast concrete on the tower above.

A proposal to include a pedestrian paseo wrapping around the perimeter of the site remains as part of the project.

Long known as a hub for discount clothing and supplies, the Fashion District has recently seen a string of developments similar to those in adjacent communities such as the Historic Core and South Park.  The opening of the Ace Hotel in 2014 ushered in a string of hotel and residential projects, including the Proper Hotel and a pair of 24-story apartment towers from Holland Partner Group.

Realm, based out of Orange County, is also behind plans to construct a similar high-rise complex in City West.

Urban Offerings, based in Los Angeles, has announced plans to rehabilitate a historic building on Los Angeles Street as creative offices with ground-floor commercial space.