Among them, seven are classified as high-rise, standing at nine stories or higher. Notably, four of these projects are skyscrapers exceeding 20 stories. The list also includes projects that have converted office buildings into apartments.
Most of these developments consist of condominiums and mixed-use buildings that combine residential units with commercial spaces. With the addition of multiple skyscrapers, the LA Koreatown skyline is becoming increasingly diversified.
The tallest building currently under construction is Terrace Block (550 Shatto Place), a 40-story project near Vermont Avenue and 6th Street. This 241,000-square-foot development, expected to be completed in 2025, will house 367 units.
Another notable project is the recently completed Hallasan, a 38-story, 375-unit building by Holland Partners, situated on the former Wilshire Galleria Mall parking lot. The Kurve, located at Wilshire Boulevard and Hoover Avenue, is a 23-story, 644-unit project. Opus, currently under construction near the Wilshire location of BCD Tofu, will rise 22 stories. Additional projects include Atlas House, a 13-story building, and Crosby and Thompson, both standing at 12 stories.
The construction of these mixed-use apartments in LA Koreatown is transforming the neighborhood into an upscale commuter town.
The real estate industry attributes Koreatown’s emergence as a residential hub to its strategic location. Positioned between West L.A. and Downtown L.A., and in proximity to Hollywood, Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena, Koreatown offers a geographical advantage.
With its diverse dining scene, multicultural atmosphere, and efficient public transportation, the neighborhood has flourished into an entertainment destination. As a result, it has become an increasingly popular residential choice for younger generation renters. The area’s high population density, influx of young residents, and the upcoming 2028 Olympics all contribute to this trend.
A Korean American real estate insider stated, “Koreatown, once known for its concentration of office properties, has now been redeveloped into an upscale bedroom community with luxurious apartments and condominiums.”
Furthermore, recent development applications submitted by real estate developers to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning indicate that more high-rise apartments are expected to be added to the neighborhood over the next five years.
One such project is a 34-story apartment building proposed by Florida-based Crescent Heights. Planned for the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and South Westmoreland Avenue, it will feature 297 units and 410 parking spaces. The building’s lower seven floors will include 7,100 square feet of retail and office space.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
