150-Unit Transit Housing Project Near Downtown Burbank Metrolink Advances Through Planning Commission

A mixed-use housing development designed to capitalize on Burbank’s growing transit connections moved one step closer to reality Tuesday night, as the Planning Commission voted 4-1 to advance the project to the City Council for final approval.

The Station Square development, proposed by Los Angeles-based Meridian Pacific, would construct 150 residential units across two six-story buildings on a 2.3-acre site at the corner of Orange Grove Avenue and Front Street, just three blocks from the Downtown Burbank Metrolink station.

“This is exactly the kind of smart development Burbank needs,” said Planning Commissioner Maria Gonzalez, who voted in favor of the project. “We’re seeing more residents choosing transit over driving, especially with the recent improvements to Metro service and the upcoming airport connector.”

Mixed-Income Housing with Transit Access

Under the proposal, 30% of the units would be designated as affordable housing for moderate-income residents, while the remaining 105 units would be market-rate apartments. The development includes a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, with monthly rents for market-rate apartments expected to range from $2,200 to $3,400.

“We specifically chose this location because of its proximity to transit,” explained Jennifer Walsh, development manager for Meridian Pacific, during Tuesday’s public hearing. “Our research shows that residents of transit-oriented developments drive 40% less than those in traditional apartment complexes.”

The project would also include 4,500 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, potentially housing a coffee shop, small market, or other neighborhood-serving businesses. Developers are required to provide 180 parking spaces across two levels of underground parking, though this is significantly below the city’s typical requirements due to the site’s transit proximity.

Addressing Burbank’s Housing Shortage

The proposal comes as Burbank grapples with a severe housing shortage that has pushed median apartment rents above $2,800 per month. The city’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment requires Burbank to plan for 8,772 new housing units by 2029, with the majority designated for low and moderate-income residents.

“We desperately need more housing options for working families,” said Councilwoman Sharon Springer, who attended Tuesday’s meeting as a public observer. “Teachers, firefighters, and the thousands of people who work at Disney, Warner Bros., and other local studios deserve to live in the community they serve.”

The affordable units would be targeted toward households earning between 80% and 120% of the Area Median Income – roughly $75,000 to $112,000 for a family of four in Los Angeles County.

Community Concerns and Compromise

Not everyone embraces the project’s scale and density. Several residents from the nearby Chandler Bikeway neighborhood expressed concerns about increased traffic, parking spillover, and the building’s height.

“Six stories is completely out of character for our area,” said longtime resident Robert Chen during the public comment period. “We’re talking about a neighborhood of single-family homes and small apartment buildings.”

To address these concerns, developers agreed to several modifications during the planning process. The buildings were stepped back from residential streets, additional landscaping was added along Orange Grove Avenue, and the project includes new pedestrian improvements connecting to the Chandler Bikeway.

“We’ve worked closely with neighbors to minimize impacts while still delivering the housing Burbank needs,” Walsh said. “The final design includes 25% more open space than originally proposed and maintains view corridors to the Verdugo Mountains.”

Transit Improvements Drive Development

The project reflects broader changes in Burbank’s transportation landscape. Metro’s upcoming Airport Metro Connector, scheduled to open in 2024, will provide a direct link from the Downtown Burbank Metrolink station to Hollywood Burbank Airport and the Metro B Line.

Metrolink ridership from Burbank has increased 35% since 2019, according to transportation officials, with many riders commuting to downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and other job centers along the Antelope Valley Line.

“Transit-oriented development is a key part of our climate action goals,” said Planning Director Sarah Kim. “When people can walk to work or catch a train instead of driving, everyone benefits from reduced traffic and cleaner air.”

Economic Development Potential

City economic development officials see the project as a catalyst for broader improvements in the downtown area. The Media District, centered around the studios, has seen significant investment in recent years, but the area around the Metrolink station has lagged behind.

“This development could be the anchor that brings more businesses and activity to this part of downtown,” said Economic Development Manager David Torres. “We’re already seeing interest from restaurant operators and small retailers who want to serve this new residential population.”

The project would generate an estimated $2.1 million annually in property tax revenue and $150,000 in sales tax from the commercial spaces, according to city financial projections.

Next Steps and Timeline

The Planning Commission’s approval includes several conditions, including a requirement that developers contribute $450,000 toward improvements to the nearby Olive Recreation Center and install electric vehicle charging stations in 25% of parking spaces.

The project now moves to the City Council, which is expected to consider final approval at its December 12 meeting. If approved, construction could begin in spring 2024, with the first residents moving in by late 2025.

“This represents smart, sustainable growth for Burbank,” said Mayor Jess Talamantes in a statement. “We’re adding housing where people can reduce their reliance on cars while supporting our local businesses and transit investments.”

The project would be the largest transit-oriented development in Burbank since the Burbank Town Center expansion was completed in 2017.