In Los Angeles, and probably most of California, there are maximum off the floor height and minimum opening requirements for egress and light.

Such conversion need not comply with the requirements of the following specific provisions of this chapter: (a) Section 13-196-660 (height limits); however, in frame buildings, four or more levels of living space shall be prohibited and in buildings of ordinary construction, with or without attic living space, five or more levels shall be prohibited; (b) Section 13-196-050; however, all dwelling units must comply with the exit provisions of Chapter 13-160 except basement dwelling units may have a second exit through a room containing a heating plant; (c) Section 13-196-670 (stairwell enclosures); (d) Section 13-196-680 (corridor enclosures); (e) Section 13-196-690 (dwelling separations); (f) Section 13-196-710 (basement ceiling construction); however, if the basement contains a dwelling unit the entire basement ceiling construction is to be wood lath and plaster of half hour construction; (h) Section 13-196-720 (heating plants); however, basement apartments are to be separated from heating plants with partitions of one hour construction.

This is the height in which the first finished floor, electrical, and mechanical equipment must be.

I have heard from a couple of members here that they are not very fond of the Garfield Heights area....

Slavic Village is interesting as Newburgh Heights is an area that is now C in areas, but once you come more towards the Broadway area it gets rough.

Try to stay away from adding a row of similarly sized and shaped shrubs along the foundation - it's already quite boxy so you want to use landscaping to create a little visual interest with heights, shapes and colours.  

Go full height 42" uppers.I agree with Valerie, do an island opposite the wall, leaving adequate space from the ref (3'?)

A little background:I live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC.

Research height restrictions, set-backs, ingress and egress, parking requirements, etc. 

Born and raised in the Cleveland Heights area.