Koreatown WELCOME HOME

Last August, Los Angeles County issued a request for proposals to redevelop a series of dilapidated properties in Koreatown. This Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors is poised to vote on whether or not to move forward with the public-private partnership, which has been dubbed the Vermont Corridor. Trammell Crow Company (TCC), which was selected over four other applicants, is expected to develop three buildings on the county-owned parcels featuring a combination of apartments, government offices and pedestrian-oriented commercial space.

A new environmental report released by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning (LADCP) offers a first look at a mixed-use complex planned in Koreatown. The proposed development, slated for an approximately two-acre site 3525 W. 8th Street, would consist of a seven-story building featuring 367 dwelling units above 52,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Plans also call for residential amenities such as a fitness center, multiple outdoor decks and parking accommodations for 791 vehicles and 456 bicycles.

Jamison Services, one of Southern California’s largest office landlords, is looking to continue its residential building spree in Koreatown. Yesterday, the Los Angeles-based real estate firm filed plans with the City of Los Angeles to construct a new high-rise development at 3700 W. Wilshire Boulevard. According to a case filing from the Department of City Planning, the project would consist of a 36-story tower featuring 506 residential units and approximately 62,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.

The dusty lot at 3670 Wilshire Boulevard, once intended for a glassy condo tower, is instead headed in the low-rise direction. An environmental report released by LADCP indicates that property owner Don Hankey has plans for a six-story structure, housing 377 apartment units and just under 8,500 square feet of ground floor retail space. Designed by the architectural firm of Van Tilburg, Banyard & Soderbergh (Casden West LA, Picasso Brentwood), the stucco-clad building would span a full city block in between Wilshire Boulevard and 7th Street.

Months of rumors have finally been confirmed: Lafayette Park is getting a high-rise neighbor. Yesterday, plans were submitted to the City of Los Angeles for the construction of a residential-retail complex at 2908 Wilshire Boulevard. The mixed-use development would consist of a 31-story tower containing a maximum of 644 apartments and 13,200 square feet of ground-level commercial space. As currently proposed, the project will require a site plan review and a Director’s Decision to allow for a 10% reduction in total open space.

Jamison Services, one of Southern California’s largest private office landlords, has dramatically upsized its vision for a mixed-use development in Koreatown. Yesterday, the Los Angeles-based real estate firm submitted plans to the City for a new high-rise complex at 3545 Wilshire Boulevard. A case filing from the Department of City Planning states that the project would feature towers of 14 and 32 stories, as well as a standalone six-level parking structure.

After a decade of failed attempts, one of Koreatown’s most prized development sites will finally birth a residential-retail complex. Permit applications from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety indicate that construction is about to commence for 3670 Wilshire Boulevard, a proposed seven-story development that will feature 377 apartments and approximately 8,500 square feet of ground-floor retail space. The property, which spans Hobart Boulevard between Wilshire and 7th Street, has been the site of multiple failed high-rise developments since 2005.

Construction is ramping up on 3033 Wilshire Boulevard, a new 18-story apartment tower on Koreatown’s eastern fringe. The 201-foot tall building, designed by Steinberg Architects, will consist of 190 apartments, 5,540 square feet of ground-level commercial space and 302 above-grade parking spaces. On-site amenities will include a fitness center, a swimming pool and spa, and a rooftop garden terrace. The project is being developed by UDR Inc., a Colorado-based real estate investment trust.

Earlier this year, the boutique Line Hotel opened up shop right above the Purple Line’s Wilshire/Normandie Station. Hopefully its windows are triple paned, because there could be construction activity on the horizon. According to a document from the Wilshire Center Koreatown Neighborhood Council, a new residential development is planned for the land directly west of the hotel. Rising seven stories at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Ardmore Avenue, the new apartment building would consist of 268 units above a ground level garage.

Koreatown’s Vermont Towers and their famously obtrusive parking podium are finally in the home stretch. The mixed-use development from the J.H. Snyder Company is one of only a handful of high-rise projects to break ground in Los Angeles since the recession. With towers of 29 and 23 stories, the Vermont adds 464 one and two bedroom units directly across the street from the bustling Wilshire/Vermont subway station. Designed by the Venice-based Jerde Partnership, the $200 million project features residential amenities including an outdoor garden, heated swimming pool, gym and dog park with views of the Downtown skyline.