2 Homes Built in the 1900s Are Coming Down. 9 Market-Rate Townhomes Are Going Up
A development proposal that would demolish two single-family homes in Uptown Whittier and replace them with nine three-story market-rate townhomes is heading to its first official public hearing on May 14 at Whittier City Hall.
A development proposal that would demolish two single-family homes in Uptown Whittier and replace them with nine three-story market-rate townhomes is heading to its first official public hearing on May 14 at Whittier City Hall.
The project, known as Camilla Street Townhomes, is proposed for 13444–13448 Camilla St. — a site that consists of two adjacent lots totaling roughly 15,000 square feet. The applicant is Lauren Huynh on behalf of Purunjian Investments LLC.
From Community Meeting to Public Hearing
Some residents may remember an informal community meeting hosted by the developer at the Whittier Public Library back in March. That meeting was voluntary and organized by the applicant — not an official city proceeding. May 14 is different. A public hearing is part of the city's formal approval process, and comments made on the record can influence the board's decision, including requiring the developer to make changes to the design.
The May 14 hearing is before the Design Review Board, which evaluates the architectural design of the project for compliance with Whittier's design guidelines. This is the first of multiple city approvals the project will need — the full development, including the subdivision of the property into nine individual condominiums, will require a separate Planning Commission hearing down the road.
What We Now Know
During the March community meeting, many details were unavailable. The full project plans have now been submitted and reviewed by city staff. Here's what the documents reveal:
The nine townhomes are three stories tall at approximately 32 feet, ranging from 1,229 to 1,307 square feet each with two bedrooms. Three primary floor plan layouts are offered, including one ADA-designated unit. All units feature tuck-under garage parking — each with an enclosed two-car garage — plus three additional guest parking spaces on site.
The architect describes the style as 'Contemporary Farmhouse,' though the city's staff report refers to it as 'Craftsman' — a distinction the Design Review Board will weigh against Whittier's architectural guidelines.
The project also includes one Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), located on the second floor above the covered guest parking. The ADU will not be sold independently — it will be bundled with one of the nine primary units.
The nine townhomes are for-sale condominiums at market rate. The documents include no affordability requirements.
What's Being Lost
The two homes being demolished were built in 1907 and 1910 — part of Uptown Whittier's earliest residential development. The project site sits directly across the street from The Bailey House, Whittier's first home and a designated historic landmark. Multiple consultants, including one hired by the city, assessed both properties and determined they do not qualify for historic protection.
The site is also down the street from Hoover Elementary School.
How to Weigh In
The Design Review Board meeting is open to the public. Residents who attend can speak on the record during the public comment period. Written comments can also be submitted to the Community Development Department in advance.
May 14, 2026 | 4:00 PM at Whittier City Hall, Design Review Board Meeting
