Whole Foods market takes second bite at Burbank

Burbank residents are being asked to weigh in on a proposal to bring a Whole Foods market — along with a 241-unit luxury apartment complex on top — to the city’s Media District, officials said.

The “Talaria at Burbank” project, proposed for 3401 W. Olive Ave, would offer a “resort living opportunity” that encourages tenants to get out of their cars, said developer Michael Cusumano of the Cusumano Real Estate Group.

All existing structures would be demolished to build a four-level luxury apartment complex on top of a 43,000-square-foot Whole Foods, along with 751 parking spaces, according to the project application. The market will feature a full-service restaurant and bar.

Proposed amenities for tenants include a lap pool surrounded by cabanas, a private pub, a full gym with a spin studio, a business center, a full-service concierge and dry-cleaning drop-off and pick-up.

Located within walking distance from NBC Studios and Warner Brothers, Talaria was designed to appeal to people who work nearby, Cusumano said.

A previous Whole Foods project didn’t fare well when it was proposed in the city’s Rancho area about six years ago.

In 2007, residents vehemently opposed the grocer’s proposal, arguing that the project would snarl traffic and cause safety hazards for the equestrian community.

The project was eventually turned down by the City Council.

“We think this location is much more appropriate,” said Community Development Director Joy Forbes. “We think it’s just going to be a really great project.”

A community meeting on the project will be held Monday in the Community Services Building at 150 North Third St. at 5:30 p.m. On Tuesday, the Burbank City Council is slated to approve an agreement to conduct an environmental-and-traffic analysis for the project.

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Follow Alene Tchekmedyian on Google+ and on Twitter: @atchek.

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