Loyola Wins OK to Build on Bluffs

Loyola Marymount University’s plans to expand its Westchester campus onto the bluffs overlooking the marina cleared a major hurdle Thursday by winning approval from the Los Angeles Planning Commission.

The Planning Commission granted Loyola a conditional-use permit allowing the university to build school facilities on land zoned for single-family residences.

But the commission placed several conditions on the permit, including building height limits of 75 feet. Another requirement is to finish a road leading from the building site to Lincoln Boulevard before construction begins so crews will not have to use residential streets. The commission also placed a limit on enrollment at the private Catholic university.

The decision is final unless there is an appeal, which would be handled by the City Council.

Loyola is surrounded by residential neighborhoods. The school purchased the vacant 27-acre lot on the west side of the 96-acre campus in 1983 from Summa Corp. for about $10 million.

Loyola’s 18-year construction plan calls for housing for 1,250 students in apartments and dorms.