Six-Story Mixed-use Project at 83 N. Lake Ave. Seeks Time Extension

An artist’s rendering published in 2020 of a proposed new project to go up at 83 North Lake Avenue. [Image courtesy City of Pasadena]

The developer of a proposed six-story mixed-use project at 83 N. Lake Avenue is asking for more time to complete its design review.

Pasadena’s Design Commission will consider the request at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12. The meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m., is open to the public.

Located at the corner of Lake Ave. and Union Street, the project includes a 116,139-square-foot commercial building and a 54-unit residential building and was approved by the Design Commission in July 2020.

According to plans submitted to the city, the commercial building will have office, restaurant and retail space on the ground floor and four upper floors. The residential building will offer studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, with 11 units reserved for low-income households.

The project will also provide 291 parking spaces in two levels of subterranean parking and one level of at-grade parking.

The developer, Lake Avenue Partners LLC, is requesting a one-year extension of the Final Design Review application until August 2024 to finalize the design and to obtain permits.

A report by the Department of Planning and Community Development said the applicant has mentioned construction financing issues as among the reasons for the project’s delay.

According to the Zoning Code, a Final Design Review approval is valid for an initial period of three years. The Zoning Code also says two one-year time extensions may be granted, but a public hearing at the Design Commission is required each time an application is filed.

If the Time Extension request is approved, it will be the first of the two one-year extensions allowed and would establish a new expiration date of August 8, 2024.

The Planning and Community Development Department recommends that the Design Commission grant the extension, saying that the project meets the current zoning and planning requirements and that there are no environmental issues.

The project is part of the Central District Specific Plan, which aims to revitalize the area with mixed-use development, pedestrian amenities and public art.

Members of the community may opt to attend the Design Commission meeting in person at the City Council Chamber at City, or virtually through www.cityofpasadena.net/cczoom or by calling (669) 900-6833 and using the meeting ID 161 482 446.

The meeting will also be livestreamed at www.pasadenamedia.org.