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In November of last year, the city’s Planning Commission approved the luxury residential tower proposed by developer Rick Caruso for the triangular site at the intersection of La Cienega and Burton Way, home of the former Loehmann’s. Originally conceived as a 19 story residential and retail structure with 145 luxury units, the building requires a zoning change and general plan amendment. 13 of the units must be designated for low to moderate income residents. Two commissioners objected to the proposed 240 foot tower as being too tall for the neighborhood but the majority voted in favor of the project. More recently the Los Angeles City Council also voted to approve the development after Caruso agreed to reduce the height of the tower to 16 stories. Opponents of the project have threatened legal action, pointing to possible influence resulting from donations by Caruso of over $476,000 to local politicians and their interests over the past five years. Construction on the project is slated for later this year.