LA Koreatown Gateway Project is finally undertaking after 17 years
The long-awaited LA Koreatown Gateway Project, a long-cherished initiative in the Korean American community, is finally set to break ground.
Originally launched in 2008, the project has faced multiple interruptions and revivals over the years, but after 17 years, it is finally coming to fruition.
On February 3, representatives from the LA City Council’s 10th District office, former LA Korean Chamber of Commerce President Lee Chang-yeop, and Hwarang Youth Foundation President Park Yoon-sook announced that construction on the project, which will install an arch-shaped LED gateway next to Dawooljung at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Normandie Avenue in Koreatown, will commence within a month.
Former President Lee stated that he had completed discussions regarding the groundbreaking with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI), the nonprofit organization overseeing the Gateway Project.
According to Lee, the project’s current budget is $3 million, and the bidding process to select a construction company has already begun.
Lee further explained that while the Madang Project, originally pursued alongside the Gateway Project, was ultimately canceled, its budget was reallocated to this initiative. However, the project had stalled due to the absence of a managing organization.
“The 10th District office has consistently shown interest and worked to bring this project to reality,” he said, adding that detailed construction schedules will soon be discussed with the city council office.
The project will begin by relocating utility poles at the designated site. Next, an arch-shaped LED gateway will be installed next to Dawooljung. Upon completion, it is expected to become a landmark of Koreatown.
The gateway design was assigned in 2022 to JFAK (John Friedman and Alice Kimm Architects), co-led by Alice Kim. JFAK has previously designed notable structures such as the Caltech Aerospace Research Building and the LAPD Police Transportation Center. Once completed, the LED-illuminated arch will require a designated managing entity to handle maintenance costs, including electricity fees.
In response, the Hwarang Youth Foundation is expected to take on the role of the managing organization. President Park of Hwarang stated, “Some members of the Korean community have worked closely with the city government to prevent this project from being canceled.”
He added, “our foundation has also contributed annually by submitting necessary documentation. Now that the groundbreaking has been confirmed, we hope that the Korean community will come together to help fund future maintenance costs.”
Lee also noted that additional funding might be required, emphasizing the need for ongoing discussions with the 10th District Council office. “For now, the goal is to complete construction before this year’s Korean Festival,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Gateway Project, which had been struggling to move forward, was revived in October 2018 when the LA City Council approved the project’s budget expenditure. However, it later faced another setback when then-10th District Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas was indicted, putting the project at risk of cancellation once again.
BY KYEONGJUN KIM [kim.kyeongjun1@koreadaily.com]
