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In 1996 KFA converted the 1929 Sheraton Townhouse, the glamorous hotel where Nicky Hilton married Elizabeth Taylor, for use as low-income housing. Included in that assignment was the design of multi-family housing on the grounds where guests gamboled on the tennis courts and in the pools. 18 years later we are revisiting the site for Century West Partners who are planning a mixed-use development with 399 units of housing. Century West has 4 projects on the boards or under construction.

Another very active player in the area is Jamison Services with 28 properties on Wilshire Boulevard alone. Jamison’s principal, Dr. David Lee, believes that the diversity of the Los Angeles business community, the slowly recovering economy and the lack of any recent new construction makes the Koreatown market a very attractive development area.

KFA is now finishing the drawings for Jamison for 210 units at 3640 Wilshire and starting design work for 72 units at 535 Kingsley and 108 units at 3350 Wilshire Boulevard.  In addition, AMCAL is applying for funding for 100 affordable units at 215 N. Vermont with a KFA design that carefully negotiates the Vermont/Western Station Neighborhood Area Plan (SNAP).

As the downtown renaissance has expanded down Wilshire Boulevard to Koreatown, Dr. David Lee has seen promise in the development of residential property in this very dense neighborhood of Los Angeles.  Wade sat down with Dr. Lee to better understand the community and his projects within Koreatown.

Why are you bullish on Koreatown?

Koreatown is located in the middle of Los Angeles near mass transit hubs including the Red Line and new Purple Line.  The surrounding areas are also very active and growing; there is a resurgence of activity in residential, retail, and office Downtown, the Westside is as strong as ever, Miracle Mile has huge growth in entertainment clients. Koreatown is the hub of all of these areas and begs new development as urbanization moves people from the suburbs closer to where they actually work.  The population is looking to cut down their commuting time and carbon footprint and live somewhere with more infrastructure and amenities.

When did you first get interested?

I got interested about three years ago, mainly because of the aging infrastructure in Koreatown. There are many apartment buildings from the 1920s and not many new developments. There was a short burst of condo development around 2005 to 2008, which died out with the recession. I became interested in building a new generation of residential buildings in the area to fit the new lifestyle demands, which require more compact units that are amenity and convenience oriented.

How supportive is the community for development? Is Herb Wesson’s office helpful?

The community is very supportive and interested in bringing more population from outside of Koreatown. Growing the diversity here increases the resources, creativity and community support.  The City of Los Angeles has always been very helpful, and Councilmember Wesson is a great supporter of the improvements we are trying to make in Koreatown.

What is different about Koreatown from other areas in which you work?

Koreatown is not only one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the country, it is also one of the most diverse.  It is a melting pot of all nationalities, ethnicities and religions, and that appeals to all different cultures.

Is there any unit type that is particularly well received?

Most people are conscious of overall living costs and seek efficiency, so they prefer smaller and micro size units while still placing a high priority on stellar amenities: high-end finishes, concierge services, in-unit washer/dryer, community areas, gym, free wifi, mass transit and walkability.

What are your favorite neighborhood restaurants?

Chosun Galbee and MaDang