California Landmark Group purchased the Westside Family YMCA property on Sawtelle Boulevard in West LA with plans for a mixed-use project.
CLG president Ken Kahan tells Bisnow the project will consist of 73 apartments, including some affordable units, above a collection of restaurants that will face Sawtelle. He says the project will further enhance the walkability of the Sawtelle corridor, which already boasts a large population and tremendous density. He anticipates a spring 2016 construction start for the project, which will include a mix of singles, one- and two-bedroom units. The area has been dubbed “Little Osaka,” and Ken says the architectural design will reflect a contemporary Asian theme. CLG was the winning bidder for the site, which was marketed in conjunction with the Y’s fundraising for the development of a replacement facility on the campus of University High School.
Yesterday, we snapped this of the present Westside YMCA, which has been open at the site since 1971. A lot of Westsiders grew up learning to swim at that YMCA, Ken says. You never were able to stay there (no residential), but if you rent an apartment at the new project, there will be plenty of opportunities for fun at the former YMCA site. Besides the restaurants, it’ll boast a gym, movie theater and rooftop pool. Meanwhile, construction is underway for the Westside YMCA’s new 62k SF state-of-the-art facility at University High.
We also chatted with Berkadia partner Adrienne Barr, who repped the Westside YMCA and was the only broker on the deal. She says the org has outgrown the 39k SF location and parking has become a huge challenge. The new facility will boast two pools, including one with a ramp for seniors and others who have difficulty managing steps; exercise studios; indoor sports courts; community rooms; and four levels of parking. Fun fact: Adrienne learned to swim at the Westside Y. She’s looking forward to bringing her kids to the new location, slated for completion in April 2016.
