Norwalk : 246-Unit Apartment OKd

A plan to build a 246-unit apartment complex at Woods Avenue and Firestone Boulevard has been chosen by the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency over five other development projects proposed for the five-acre site.

The project won preliminary approval last week even though it calls for more than twice the number of units allowed under the city’s recently revised density restrictions. “There are certain areas of the community where high density makes sense,” redevelopment Director Michael Wagner said, adding that the project will require a special zoning designation. He said there are no nearby, single-family residential areas.

Wurtzel & Fox Investment Co. of Los Angeles wants to construct six Mediterranean style buildings on the parcel, the former site of the Tudor Inn, a transient hotel purchased and demolished by the agency. The company has agreed to pay the agency $3.3 million for the tract, about $500,000 less than the city paid for it. Other than selling the site at a loss, Wagner said the agency will not give Wurtzel & Fox any other redevelopment assistance.

The three-story complex will have underground parking, a swimming pool, jogging track and tennis court.