New Plans Filed for Jefferson Park Hotel
A vacant lot in Jefferson Park is once again the focus of development efforts, as property owner Hitendra Patel has filed new plans with the Los Angeles Department of City Planning to construct a Best Western hotel at 2645 South Western Avenue.
Project Specifications
The proposed development outlines a three-story, 59-room lodging property. The design, handled by Studio M+A, features a C-shaped building utilizing the Streamline Moderne architectural style, a look described as similar to the historic Coca-Cola building in downtown Los Angeles. Plans for the site include on-site parking for 46 vehicles.
A History of Development Efforts
This filing represents a renewed attempt by Patel to bring a hotel to the location. A previous proposal for the same site sought to build a larger 77-room Best Western. While building permits for that earlier project were issued in 2020 and some initial clearing work was completed, the construction did not proceed at that time.
Context of the Western Avenue Corridor
The project arrives as the surrounding area on Western Avenue experiences significant development activity, particularly from the CIM Group. The corridor is currently slated for an increase in foot traffic as several residential and mixed-use projects move forward:
- 3101 Western Avenue: A planned five-story mixed-use building featuring 40 apartments, ground-floor commercial space, and a 29-car garage. The proposal includes five units of deed-restricted affordable housing.
- 2221 South Western Avenue: A completed five-story building with 48 apartments and ground-floor commercial space.
- Former Los Angeles Metropolitan Medical Center Campus: The site of a broader redevelopment effort by CIM Group, which previously converted the former hospital building into 60 apartments and has plans for a 364-unit apartment and retail complex at 2211 South Western Avenue.
Looking Ahead
With the current application now filed, the project may face a standard review process by city planning officials. Given the previous issuance of permits for a larger version of this hotel in 2020, the developer could potentially face a more streamlined path if the updated, smaller design meets current zoning and development requirements. Whether this iteration of the project successfully moves from the planning stage to active construction remains to be seen, as the developer seeks to revitalize a site that has remained dormant despite past approvals.
