July’s recent Planning Commission vote marked another win for Los Angeles based developer Empire Property Group and the residents of the City of West Hollywood with the unanimous approval of its’ latest luxury apartment project, Empire at Fairfax.
Empire Property Group’s first project in the Creative City, Empire at Kings, opened in 2012 to tremendous praise and success. It helped to set the standard for smart design and innovation in the luxury, boutique rental market in the city. Empire Property Group has since successfully opened properties in Bel-Air and Beverly Hills before returning to West Hollywood for its’ much-anticipated Empire at Norton project, set to open later this fall. “West Hollywood is home for us. We are excited to have this opportunity to once again give back to the City where it all started for Empire.” says Craig Berberian, Founder and Managing Partner of Empire Property Group.
Empire at Fairfax represents a new chapter in Empire’s portfolio playbook, it’s first venture into the mixed-use market. The project located at the corner of Fairfax and Romaine will feature what Empire dubs to be two “boutique community enhancing retail spaces” along with 34 luxury rental units comprised of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom units. In addition, the project will contribute 5 units to the City’s affordable housing program.
“As always, our commitment to the communities that we are a part of is of paramount importance.” Berberian says “Our goal has always been to design and build our properties in ways that set the standard and enhance the neighborhoods that we are a part of. We are excited about the opportunity to contribute to the diversity of the Fairfax District.”
Empire studied the location and consulted with neighbors to come up with a design that is well modulated, using open courtyard space along with differentiated building materials and color schemes to visually break-up the mass of the five-story building. The property’s south facing courtyard not only introduces light and cross-ventilation into the interior space, it also allowed for the addition of an innovative “green wall” into the design, enhancing the experiences of residents and pedestrians alike.
Residents of Empire at Fairfax will be within walking distance of all the diverse retail spaces and restaurants that the Fairfax District has to offer, such as Ysabel just across the street on Romaine and Whole Foods to the north. Residents won’t have to leave home to enjoy the property’s indulgent amenities package which will include an onsite fitness center, business lounge and boutique retail spaces on the first level, and a spa deck with a plunge pool, BBQ and lounge spaces on the rooftop which will feature spectacular views of the surrounding city.
As with its’ other projects throughout Los Angeles, Empire Property Group is committed to sustainable building practices, utilizing the latest technologies available to meet all CalGreen standards. In fact, Empire at Fairfax is set to exceed the requirements of the City of West Hollywood’s own Green Building program. Onsite power generation through the use of solar panels and sustainable landscaping with smart irrigation technology are just two of the ways that the property is helping to reduce its’ power and water consumption, while also minimizing the properties heat-island effect considerably.
“Creating properties that utilize smart design to balance functionality, innovation and luxury is at the heart of what we strive for at Empire Property Group.” Berberian continues. “Empire at Fairfax is proof of that. We are excited about how this property offers our residents an unparalleled living experience while at the same time enhancing the community.”
Empire Property Group is a privately-held, fully-integrated real estate development and investment firm that has earned a reputation as an industry leader, building luxury boutique apartment communities in prime Southern California locations. Empire-branded communities offer residents a world-class living experience with a wide array of luxury amenities, unique architectural features, and high-end designer finishes. Empire Property Group primarily seeks to source off-market opportunities in order to ensure outstanding returns for investment partners. www.empirepg.com
