Owner to Put Granny Flats under Landmark Apartments in Windsor Square

Historic Apartment Building to Get a Modern Makeover

The owner of a historic apartment building in L.A.’s Windsor Square, Allen Gross, has filed plans to add eight granny flats to its basement. The Los Altos Apartments at 4121 Wilshire Boulevard, a landmark built in 1925, is set to get a modern makeover with the addition of the accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Converting the Basement into Homes

The project, designed by Rancho Park-based Peter T. Erdelyi & Associates, will convert the unused basement area into eight ADUs ranging from 364 to 597 square feet. The units will be built beneath the five-story landmark, which has hosted a who’s who of Hollywood celebrities.

A Historic Landmark

The building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was restored in 1990 into a mixed-income housing complex with 75 homes. The restoration aimed to preserve the original character of the building while providing modern amenities to its residents.

Past Projects by the Owner

Gross, a seasoned developer, has a track record of converting underutilized properties into residential spaces. One of his notable projects is the conversion of a shuttered Downtown department store into housing more than a decade ago.

What are the Plans?

The project is designed to take advantage of a state law that allows for the conversion of unused basements into ADUs. The units will be built using the existing foundation and structure of the building, with minimal changes to the exterior.

What’s Next?

The plans are still pending approval, but if approved, the project will bring new life to the historic building and provide more affordable housing options to the community.

Conclusion

The proposed project is an innovative solution to address the city’s housing shortage and provide more affordable options to residents. By converting the unused basement into ADUs, the project will preserve the historic integrity of the building while meeting the needs of the modern community.

FAQs

* What is the size of the granny flats? The ADUs will range from 364 to 597 square feet.
* How many granny flats will be built? Eight ADUs will be built in the basement of the Los Altos Apartments.
* Who is the owner of the building? Allen Gross is the owner of the Los Altos Apartments.
* What is the purpose of the project? The project aims to provide more affordable housing options to the community and take advantage of a state law allowing for the conversion of unused basements into ADUs.