Thousand Oaks Approves Mixed-Use Boulevard Project

A remnant of Thousand Oaks’ past will soon go the way much of its ranching history has – development. The former site of 69-year-old Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant on Thousand Oaks Boulevard opposite Erbes Road was approved Monday night by the Planning Commission to become a mixed-use apartment and commercial development. It’s the first mixed-use project before the Planning Commission or City Council since the council adopted the Specific Plan in 2011, the commission report noted. All others were renovations or housing projects located off the boulevard. The Daly Group Inc. of Westlake Village plans to build 36 apartments in two buildings and almost 5,000 square feet of commercial space, parking areas, common areas open to the public, dining sections and recreation amenities. The entire property, about 5 acres, includes the restaurant, a home and a hill. It sits atop a flood control channel across the front part. Only about 2.62 acres will be built on. The plan describes a three-story triangular building fronting the boulevard with 2,580 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and five apartments on the two floors above. The second building would be L-shaped with three stories and wrap around the back of the property. That is planned to have 2,400 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 31 apartments, some with live-work units that have a loft. The complex will also have a pool, a club/gym and fire pit. Apartments are a mix of one- two- and three-bedroom units, ranging from 700 square feet to 1,500 square feet, including lofts. The agency approved the project stating it was consistent with both the city’s General Plan and its Boulevard Specific Plan. That specific plan encourages mixed-use commercial and housing along the boulevard to motivate more walking and interactivity. According to the city, the project does not have to be heard by the City Council because the developer requested using existing units when the Specific Plan was approved. But the Planning Commission decision could be appealed to the City Council.