Conversion of Hotel Started in Hollywood

Construction began last week on the conversion of the Montecito Apartments, 6650 Franklin Ave., Hollywood, from a residential hotel into 180 units of housing for senior citizens.

The city’s Community Redevelopment Agency provided $3.26 million in loan funds to aid in the restoration and conversion of the 1931-vintage building, with an additional $1.1 million in financing provided by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“The Montecito Apartments is architecturally significant as one of the finest examples of the Art Deco style, with Mayan influence detailing,” according to Edward Helfeld, administrator of the agency. “It is significant for its architectural quality and integrity and as the finest extant work of architect Marcus P. Miller.”