Los Angeles Approves Westlake High-Rise Project Above Metro Station

• 668-unit mixed-use project approved, including 234 affordable units
• Includes 300-room hotel, 105K SF offices, and 56K SF retail
• Developed by Walter J. Company + Metro directly above a major subway hub

What the project includes for mixed-use investors

Los Angeles approved Centro Westlake, a large-scale development spanning a 150,000-square-foot site in the Westlake neighborhood. The project blends multifamily, hospitality, office, and retail, giving investors exposure to multiple income streams in a single asset. The residential portion includes 668 units, with a significant affordable housing component, which helped secure city approval. The addition of a 300-room hotel and office space adds further diversification, reducing reliance on any single asset class.

What transit-oriented location mean for long-term value

The project sits directly above the Westlake/MacArthur Park subway station, making it a prime transit-oriented development (TOD) play.

For landlords, this means:

Properties tied to transit hubs typically see stronger tenant demand, lower vacancy risk, and more stable rent growth. As Los Angeles continues pushing density near transit, assets like this are positioned to benefit from long-term infrastructure-driven appreciation.

What the scale and design mean for tenant demand

Designed by SOM, the development will feature two towers rising 39 and 55 stories, reaching up to 600 feet. Beyond height, the project emphasizes usability and foot traffic. Plans include a central open space, retail activation, and a mobility hub, all aimed at increasing dwell time and enhancing tenant experience. This type of design supports higher retail performance and creates a more attractive residential environment.

What retail strategy means for community integration

Roughly 20% of the retail space is reserved for local Westlake businesses, a strategic move to align with community interests.For investors, this reduces entitlement friction and improves long-term stability. Developments that incorporate local tenants often face less resistance and benefit from stronger neighborhood engagement, which can translate into consistent foot traffic.

What the developer’s track record means for execution risk

The Walter J. Company previously secured approvals for a nearby high-rise that has yet to be built, highlighting a potential execution gap. While approvals signal momentum, investors should weigh entitlement value versus delivery risk. That said, current market conditions, including L.A.’s housing shortage and pro-density policies, may improve the likelihood of this project moving forward.

What this project signals for Los Angeles development trends

Centro Westlake reflects a broader shift toward high-density, transit-linked, mixed-use development across Los Angeles. With cities prioritizing housing supply and transit accessibility, projects like this are becoming more common and more valuable. For landlords and developers, the takeaway is clear: proximity to transit and mixed-use density are driving the next cycle of urban growth