Complex Near NoHo Metro OKd

The Los Angeles City Council on Friday approved plans for a $43-million residential and commercial project near the Metro Rail subway station in North Hollywood.

The council voted to authorize the Community Redevelopment Agency to execute an agreement with JMS Construction Inc. of Santa Monica for a proposed 15-story residential, commercial and transit complex on Cumpston Street at Lankershim Boulevard, officials said.

Redevelopment agency commissioners approved the project’s residential density, affordable housing, landscape, open space, public art and streetscape design plans on July 17, but the development plans required council approval before construction could begin.

“We are excited about what this development offers North Hollywood,” said Robert Ovrom, the agency’s chief operating officer. “It takes advantage of North Hollywood’s strategic hub of rail and bus systems and combines upscale housing with retail and sustainable design.”

Developers envision a 15-story building with 191 units and 17,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space, said JMS President Craig D. Jones. Fourteen apartments will be set aside for low-income residents

The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments would have private balconies with mountain views. The building’s exterior would have floor-to-ceiling glass, patterned concrete walls and metal handrails, said architect Don Empakeris. Other amenities include a swimming pool, spa and gym.