Townhomes OKd for Park Del Amo

The last two parcels of land in the massive Park Del Amo project will be developed with 183 condominiums under scaled-down development plans approved late Tuesday by the Torrance City Council.

Watt Homes Inc. will build 131 attached townhouses on a 10.81-acre parcel on Sepulveda Boulevard across from Hickory Avenue and 52 free-standing townhouses on a 7.45-acre site on Crenshaw Boulevard south of Plaza Del Amo.

The sites originally were designated for commercial use, but a weak market for office space and a strong demand for homes prompted Watt to request a change to residential zoning.

Company officials initially sought permission to build 166 units on the Sepulveda site, but dozens of residents of South Bayport--an existing Watt project immediately north of the parcel--protested that the development would come too close to their homes and would be far more dense than the commercial building that would have been allowed there.

Council members agreed to limit the site to 131 units and to require a setback from existing buildings of at least 50 feet. Watt also was asked to create a greenbelt in the setback space, possibly with a putting green or running path and exercise stations.

Watt Homes President Jerry Gates said construction would begin on the two parcels within the next four to five months. He estimated prices for the attached town homes will range from $375,000 to $425,000, while the detached units could range from $500,000 to $550,000.