Rendering: The Ketter Group
Named after the historic Picfair Theatre, which once occupied the corner of Pico and Fairfax, Picfair Village is a charming community of Spanish-style single-family homes and mid-century multi-family residences. A proposed development could add to its supply of rental housing, bringing 30 brand new apartments to 1550-1556 South Fairfax Avenue.
An application to Los Angeles City Planning calls for a six-story residential building with one-, two- and three-bedroom floorplans, including three affordable units for extremely low-income households.
Real estate development, design and construction firm The Ketter Group is behind the proposed project. The Los Angeles-based company is seeking Tier 3 Transit Oriented Communities (TOC) incentives, including a density bonus and height increase in exchange for the inclusion of affordable housing.
The residence would feature a modern profile with an off-white stucco exterior in a heavily textured finish. The balconies and window frames would be accented with a taupe color and wired metallic mesh would disguise the exterior stairwells. A double-height living wall would also help to enliven the lobby entrance along Fairfax Avenue.
There would be eight one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units and 14 three-bedroom units, ranging from 700 to 1,201 square feet. Each apartment would boast a private balcony and a sprawling 1,965-square-foot rooftop space would also be available for resident use.
A total of 51 vehicle and 33 bicycle parking spaces would be provided, split between a subterranean and at-grade level. If approved, the proposed project would replace two single-family dwellings.
The surrounding area features a mix of modest bungalows and medium-density apartment buildings. Future residents would live within walking distance of a Vons supermarket, The Mint, Crescent Heights Boulevard Elementary School, and the many restaurants along Pico and La Cienega boulevards. A short drive or bus ride would transport them to LACMA, The Grove and Beverly Center.
