LOS ANGELES—Commercial builder Bernards has completed construction of Wilshire La Brea, a six-story, 800,000-square-foot mixed-use complex on the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and La Brea Blvd. BRE Properties developed the $105-million complex and TCA Architects was behind the design concept.

“This project's location in the Mid-Wilshire area is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Los Angeles,” Carl Vizcarra, Bernards senior project manager, tells GlobeSt.com. “Residents at Wilshire La Brea are within a short walk of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Page Museum of Ice Age exhibits from the nearby Tar Pits and others. The area also has a variety of retail, dining and entertainment amenities, including the famous EL Rey Theatre, an art deco landmark, rock and pop concert hall, as well as Hancock Park. There are few places in Los Angeles that offer such a rich variety of amenities within a few, walkable blocks.”

For this development, BRE Properties took advantage of a new city-planning policy that allows for the conversion of vacant and obsolete buildings. Originally, a one-story, abandoned building sat on the 3.38-acre site. The former building once served as a bank and then a Korean church.

The property has 478 residential units with a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom floor plans. The units were designed with high-end finishes, like quartz countertops and hardwood-style floors as well as in-unit washer and dryer sets, patios or balconies with city views and over-sized windows. The project also reserves 39,000 square feet for retail space and features onsite parking with 997 parking spaces.

On trend with other TCA-designed mixed-use complexes, like the $165-million Amli Residential mixed-use multifamily complex planned in Marina del Rey, the property features a diverse range of amenities to appeal to young professionals. The property has two fitness centers with professional equipment, like Pilate's reformers and spin bikes, two swimming pools, massage spas, a rooftop “sundeck” with BBQ areas and a game room. To boost the outdoor space, the property also has a pocket park and courtyards. Additionally, the entire complex offers complimentary wifi.