A project proposed for the northeast corner of Sunset and Highland Avenue may replace commercial buildings with housing. (photo by Edwin Folven)

A mixed-use office and commercial project proposed on the northeast corner of Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Hollywood may be altered to include affordable housing, according to the developer and the Los Angeles Department of City Planning.

The project, called the CMNTY Culture Campus, is proposed by Thomas St. John Group. It was announced in 2022 at 1518-1536 N. Highland Ave. and 6751-6767 W. Sunset Blvd, at the site of a strip mall and adjacent commercial buildings. It was initially proposed to include 430,000 square feet of creative office space, 10,000 square feet for music studios and production areas, 10,000 square feet of artist hospitality space, 10,000 square feet of education and performance space, 4,400 square feet of retail space and a 500-seat outdoor performance venue. Thomas St. John Group has now partnered with Lincoln Property Company to explore new uses at the site, including affordable housing, and has started the application process with the planning department.

Specifics about the affordable housing, including the number of units, have not yet been released and the developer did not return a request for comment. However, Lincoln Property Company confirmed in a statement that housing is being explored at the property.

“This site sits in the center of one of the most dynamic locations in the nation and we are thrilled for the opportunity to join the development team. The potential for this property in the heart of Hollywood is tremendous, and we’re actively exploring highest and best use site strategies that will create value and deliver a landmark project for the city, its residents and the local community,” said Rob Kane, senior executive vice president and market leader for Southern California for Lincoln Property Company. “While originally envisioned as a creative office project with music recording and video production as a core component, shifting market dynamics make residential an attractive alternative for the site.”

Kane is leading the process of pursuing alternative residential uses. The architectural firm HKS is creating the residential plan.

The planning department confirmed that the project is in the pre-application review phase and the developer submitted a form on Aug. 14 regarding changes that would include housing. It was assigned to a planner with the department’s Affordable Housing Services Section on Aug. 28. A Department of City Planning Application is pending and once it is filed, the planning entitlement process for the project will begin.

Nick Barnes-Batista, a spokesman for City Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez, said the office did not have any new information about the housing component for the project.

“Our office would welcome proposals for much-needed affordable housing in Hollywood,” he added.

For information on the planning department’s review of the project, visit planning.lacity.gov/development-services/eir/cmnty-culture-campus-project.