92 three-story for-sale townhomes on a 5.01-acre site occupied by the Pickwick Bowl, a beloved Burbank bowling alley operating since the 1950s. Each unit is 1,816 to 1,931 sq ft with a two-car garage. Ten units are deed-restricted affordable to low-income households, meeting the 10% threshold for SB 35 ministerial approval. MW Investment Group acquired the site in July 2021 for $21 million and filed an SB 35 application the same month. Both the city's own planning staff and HCD independently confirmed the project's eligibility. The City Council nonetheless voted unanimously to deny it in April 2022, citing zoning. YIMBY Law and the developer both sued. The city reversed course in October 2022, approving a 92-unit version with an equestrian trail added. Pickwick Bowl closed August 2023 and demolition began December 2023.
| Date | Event | What the record shows |
|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2017 | Prior Redevelopment Attempt Fails | Owners of the Pickwick Bowl attempt to partner with developer Shea Homes on a residential redevelopment plan for the site. The project does not move forward, facing the same community resistance that would recur with MW Investment Group. Urbanize LA: https://la.urbanize.city/post/burbanks-pickwick-bowl-could-make-way-townhomes |
| May 1, 2021 | Notice of Intent to Apply Filed | MW Investment Group files a notice of intent to submit an SB 35 application for the Pickwick Bowl property, indicating plans to build approximately 98 townhomes. myBurbank: https://myburbank.com/pickwick-bowl-and-gardens-property-to-be-sold-for-potentially-98-homes/ |
| July 1, 2021 | SB 35 Application Filed / Property Purchased | MW Investment Group files its formal SB 35 ministerial application for 98 for-sale townhomes (10% affordable) on the 5.01-acre Pickwick site. Simultaneously closes on the purchase of both parcels from Pickwick Recreation Center for $21 million. Pickwick Ice (the on-site rink) is not part of the sale and will remain operational. The Real Deal LA: https://therealdeal.com/la/2022/10/28/facing-yimby-suit-burbank-approves-pickwick-bowl-project/ |
| November 1, 2021 | City Planning Staff Confirms SB 35 Eligibility | Burbank's planning department formally determines that the Pickwick project meets all SB 35 requirements. Development Director Patrick Prescott acknowledges publicly that SB 35 takes away the city's discretion and the project will be required to be approved if it complies. myBurbank: https://myburbank.com/pickwick-bowl-and-gardens-property-to-be-sold-for-potentially-98-homes/ |
| December 1, 2021 | HCD Independently Confirms Eligibility at Council Meeting | At a Burbank City Council meeting, City Planner Fred Ramirez reveals that HCD independently reviewed the project after an inquiry from Assemblymember Laura Friedman's office, and reached the same conclusion as city staff: the project qualifies for SB 35. myBurbank: https://myburbank.com/burbank-city-council-passes-motion-to-allow-earlier-say-in-sb-35-projects/ |
| April 18, 2022 | City Council Unanimously Denies Project (5-0) | The Burbank City Council votes 5-0 to deny the Pickwick project under SB 35, claiming the site's Commercial Recreation zoning does not permit residential uses. The council acts despite its own planning staff's eligibility determination, HCD's independent confirmation, and explicit legal warnings that denial risked litigation. Council members acknowledge during the meeting that the denial could prompt a lawsuit. myBurbank: https://myburbank.com/burbank-city-council-gives-a-thumbs-down-to-current-planned-pickwick-housing-development/ |
| May 1, 2022 | Developer Files Lawsuit | Matthew Waken / MW Investment Group files suit against the City of Burbank, arguing the council violated SB 35. Developer attorneys argue the city acted in bad faith and was knowingly and willingly in violation of state housing law, motivated by a desire to appease homeowners. Burbank Leader: https://burbankleader.outlooknewspapers.com/2022/05/21/developer-sues-city-over-pickwick-project-denial/ |
| June 1, 2022 | HCD Issues Notice of Violation | California HCD issues a Notice of Violation to the City of Burbank, requiring the city to reverse course and approve the Pickwick project under SB 35. (Exact date unconfirmed — VERIFY with HCD primary document) YIMBY Law press release: https://yimbylaw.org/press/burbank-lawsuit |
| June 21, 2022 | YIMBY Law Files Lawsuit | YIMBY Law files a separate lawsuit against the City of Burbank challenging the April 18 denial. Rafa Sonnenfeld: "There is no legal basis for the Burbank City Council to deny this proposed housing project. The Pickwick project meets all requirements under SB 35." YIMBY Law press release: https://yimbylaw.org/press/burbank-lawsuit |
| October 1, 2022 | Developer Lawsuit Settled | Matthew Waken / MW Investment Group settles its lawsuit with the City of Burbank prior to the October 25 council vote. Terms not publicly disclosed. myBurbank: https://myburbank.com/pickwick-development-settles-lawsuit-with-city-of-burbank/ |
| October 25, 2022 | City Council Approves Amended Project | The Burbank City Council approves a modified 92-unit version of the Pickwick project under pressure of two active lawsuits. The approved project adds a dedicated equestrian trail and pedestrian/equestrian safety measures. Ten units remain deed-restricted for low-income households. Sonja Trauss, YIMBY Law: "It's good news for housing and the expectation of cities that the state law is real and there's not any point in trying to fight it." YIMBY Law press release: https://yimbylaw.org/press/burbank-lawsuit-results |
| December 1, 2022 | YIMBY Law Lawsuit Settled | YIMBY Law settles its remaining lawsuit with the City of Burbank. Settlement terms not disclosed. YIMBY Law case page: https://www.yimbylaw.org/burbank-pickwick-gardens |
| August 15, 2023 | Pickwick Bowl Closes Permanently | The Pickwick Bowl holds its last business day after 62+ years of operation. General Manager Darin Mathewson confirms the permanent closure via Instagram. The bowling alley had been a Burbank community institution since its construction in the 1950s. myBurbank: https://myburbank.com/the-community-says-goodbye-to-pickwick-bowl-a-gem-of-burbank-history/ |
| December 22, 2023 | Demolition Begins | Heavy machinery begins demolishing the Pickwick Bowl building. ABC7 reports: "Nearly 100 townhomes will be built on the site. No word on when that construction will begin." Pickwick Ice (the on-site rink) remains operational. ABC7: https://abc7.com/pickwick-bowl-burbank-closed-demolition-bowling/14213074/ |
Rating 3 of 5. Multiple sources, including at least one primary record. Corrections: https://whokilledthebuilding.com/corrections.