Rendering: Xander Tertychny
A modernist small lot subdivision could be in the cards for West Adams. The rapidly-evolving neighborhood has seen a wave of new residential development in recent years, thanks to its relative affordability and proximity to employment centers in Culver City.
On Tuesday, a development application was submitted to Los Angeles City Planning by architect Xander Tertychny under the company name Smiley Properties, LLC. Tertychny designed the project himself, proposing nine single-family homes with two-car garages and roof decks.
Rendering: Xander Tertychny
Located at 5334-5342 Smiley Drive, the planned small lot development would replace two existing single-family homes. There would be two blocks of new-build homes facing a shared driveway. The five-story residences would include nearly identical floorplans, starting with a two-car garage, home office, bathroom and entryway on the ground level.
The next floor up would contain two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and ample closet space. The kitchen, living and dining area would be found on the third floor, complete with a walk-in pantry and powder room. Ascend the stairs to the full-floor master suite, which would boast an expansive walk-in closet and an ensuite bathroom. While floorplans vary, some would feature wet rooms that incorporate a walk-in shower and freestanding soaker tub.
Rendering: Xander Tertychny
Each home would also tout a spacious roof deck with zones for lounging, dining and grilling. High walls would establish privacy between neighbors, while still allowing for scenic views of the neighborhood. Four units would include compact, open lawns facing Smiley Drive, while the opposing units would each provide a box planter and bicycle rack.
The home exteriors would be characterized by stucco, wood cladding and stone panels. Dark-trimmed windows of various shapes and sizes would punctuate the façades, maximizing natural light and ventilation.
Rendering: Xander Tertychny
If approved, future residents of 5334-5342 Smiley Drive would live within a nine-minute walk of the restaurants and businesses that dot West Adams Boulevard, such as Vees Cafe, Alta and Open Face Food Shop.
The Culver City Arts District is a quick bike ride away, home to galleries, cocktail bars and furniture retailers. Even more restaurants, theatres and boutiques can be found in nearby Downtown Culver City, just a nine-minute drive from the proposed development.
