More residential space is planned for Los Angeles’ Koreatown neighborhood. Plans have emerged for the redevelopment of a corner lot at 866-874 S. Western Avenue, directly across from the Koreatown Plaza shopping mall. Spearheaded by Kenneth Lee of 866 Western, LLC, the proposed project, dubbed 870 Western, would bring 157 new residential units to the area, Urbanize LA reported.
The project involves the demolition of the existing single-story building dating back to 1929, and the construction of a new six-story edifice. Once completed, the new structure is set to house a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, alongside 3,000 square feet of commercial space and semi-subterranean parking accommodating 129 vehicles.
Of notable interest are the requested entitlements, including Transit Oriented Communities incentives, aimed at facilitating the construction of a larger building than permitted under current zoning regulations. In a bid to address housing affordability concerns, 16 of the proposed apartments will be designated as affordable housing units, catering specifically to extremely low-income households.
DFH Architects, the firm behind the design, envisions 870 Western as a modern building clad in metal panels, cement plaster, fiberboard and porcelain tile. The architectural plans boast an array of amenities, including a rooftop deck, a podium-level courtyard and a club room, among other amenities.
This ambitious redevelopment endeavor aligns with the broader trend of urban revitalization recently seen in Koreatown.
In January, The Registry reported that Jamison’s proposed project at 3600 Wilshire Blvd. was moved forward by the city planning commission. Upon completion, the 22-story mixed-use tower would provide 6,359 square feet of commercial space and a total of 760 residential units.
Prior to that in December of last year, Los Angeles City Council also moved forward a 251-unit project also in Koreatown. Located at 3433 W. 8th St., the project would feature 251 apartments comprising studios, one- and two-bedroom units above 61,000 square feet of commercial space spanning the first and second floors.
