Interest in Summa

Maguire Thomas Partners, a Santa Monica-based development firm known for its ability to win governmental approval of its projects, has acquired an interest in Summa Corp.’s $1-billion Playa Vista project south of Marina del Rey, and is redesigning the controversial development.

The project, a 957-acre planned community, has been mired in controversy over its density and threat to nearby wetlands. Last summer, Los Angeles Councilwoman Ruth Galanter, whose district includes the project, called for a 40% reduction in the amount of office space, expansion of the wetlands and a new environmental impact report.

Nelson C. Rising, who will head the development team for Playa Vista, said it was too early to say what specific changes will be made in the original plan.