Adaptive Reuse Planned for Westwood Office Tower at 10900 Wilshire Blvd.

Why It Matters

The project adds much‑needed housing to the Westside while leveraging transit access, illustrating how adaptive reuse can help LA meet its aggressive housing targets.

Key Takeaways

• Douglas Emmett proposes 199 apartments in 17‑story tower
• Additional 124 units planned in new seven‑story building
• Project retains ground‑floor retail while adding 416 parking spaces
• Development sits beside new Metro D Line subway stop
• Adaptive reuse supports LA’s goal for 250,000 new homes

Pulse Analysis

Los Angeles is confronting a chronic housing shortage, and city officials have turned to adaptive reuse as a fast‑track solution. The 2021‑2029 housing element calls for more than 250,000 new homes, prompting the Planning Department to draft ordinances that streamline office‑to‑residential conversions. With roughly 83 million square feet of office space deemed convertible, developers are eyeing underutilized towers, especially as downtown and Koreatown have already demonstrated the model’s viability. This policy shift reflects a broader national trend where cities repurpose legacy office stock to address affordability and curb sprawl.

Douglas Emmett’s proposal at 10900 Wilshire exemplifies the Westside’s entry into this movement. The 17‑story tower, spanning about 247,000 square feet, will be reconfigured into 199 one‑ and two‑bedroom units, while a new seven‑story structure on the former parking footprint adds 124 more homes. Retaining ground‑floor retail preserves street‑level activity, and the inclusion of 416 parking spaces mitigates concerns about reduced on‑street parking. Crucially, the site abuts the new Metro D Line extension, offering residents direct transit access and supporting the city’s transit‑oriented development goals.

The project's scale and location send a clear signal to investors: adaptive reuse can unlock premium Westside real estate while delivering affordable housing stock. As the city refines its reuse ordinances, developers may see faster entitlement timelines and reduced construction costs compared with ground‑up builds. However, challenges remain, including financing conversion costs and navigating historic preservation rules. If successful, the Westwood tower could catalyze a wave of similar conversions, reshaping the region’s urban fabric and contributing materially to Los Angeles’ housing objectives.