More Residential Flooding into Koreatown's Western Fringe (UPDATED)

Per an LADCP case filing from last month, a sizeable multi-family residential development is headed to the western edge of Koreatown.  The apartment complex, pegged for an approximately one-acre property at 700 South Manhattan Place, would offer 162 residential units within a seven-story structure.  The project site, currently developed with surface parking and a nondescript two-story structure, spans slightly more than one acre near the intersection of Western Avenue and 7th Street.  Residents would be located just one block south of the Purple Line's current Wilshire/Western terminus, offering quick service to Downtown Los Angeles and connections to all other points on the Metro Rail network.

The new development is situated in a highly walkable section of Koreatown, with a slew of stores and eateries strewn about surrounding blocks.  Unsurprisingly, other multi-family projects area slated for the neighborhood.  The locally-based Hankey Group is in the planning stages for a similar low-rise residential development, intended for a long vacant property at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Hobart Avenue.  South along Western Avenue, a 79-unit mixed-use complex is proposed across the street from Koreatown Plaza.

(UPDATE) An e-mail tipster has noted the following about 700 S. Manhattan Place:

"The project requests three variances: (1) to allow an approximately 35% increase in density; (2) to average floor area ratios across residential and commercial zones; and (3) to permit vehicular access for a commercial zone from a residential zone.

Probably not coincidentally, these variances would be available to the project as Density Bonus incentives if the project provided affordable housing.  Density Bonus projects providing a certain amount of units covenanted for very-low or low income households are entitled to a 35% increase in density, FAR averaging and parking access from a less restrictive zone.  The variance filing appears to be a means of avoiding providing affordable units."

• 700 S Manhattan Pl (LADCP)

Office Space and Small Lot Homes Proposed Near Sunset/Western

While Hollywood NIMBYs continue with their puzzling effort to defeat the half-complete Sunset/Western Target, plans have emerged for a new redevelopment scheme almost directly across the street.  An approximately 3.5-acre property at 1350 N. Western Avenue, currently home to a cluster of low-rise commercial buildings, may be demolished to make way for a new mixed-use complex.  Although exact plans are currently unclear, the project's LADCP case filing calls for an undetermined amount of commercial and office space, in addition to a 52-unit small lot subdivision.  Construction of the project would first require the rezoning of the property, which is currently designated for use as a film processing lab.

The proposed mixed-use complex is representative of the recent uptick in development on the eastern reaches of the Hollywood neighborhood.  As easy opportunities have become fewer and further in-between near subway stations on Highland Avenue and Vine Street, red headed stepchild Western Avenue has suddenly found itself aflood with investment activity.  A few blocks north, developer Sonny Astani is planning a residential-retail development, while another investor has proposed a boutique hotel.  On the opposite side of the Hollywood Freeway, Sunset Bronson Studios is scheduled to begin a $150 million expansion later this year which will include a 14-story office tower.

• Case Information Summary Sheet (LADCP)