Non-profit developer Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) has moved one step closer to building supportive housing at the former headquarters of the Umeya Rice Cake Co.

View from Towne AvenueFSY Architects

Yesterday, the Los Angeles City Council voted to adopt an ordinance approving a general plan amendment and zone change for the 35,000-square-foot site at 414 S. Crocker Street in Downtown Los Angeles, enabling the redevelopment of the property with housing.  LTSC is planning to raze the existing industrial building to make way for a new seven-story structure featuring 175 apartments and 8,700 square feet of ground-floor retail space above subterranean parking for 29 vehicles.

The project, which was approved in November 2020 by the Los Angeles City Planning Commission, will consist exclusively of deed-restricted affordable units.  Plans call for a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units priced for households at the low-, very low-, and extremely low-income levels.

FSY Architects is designing the apartment complex, which is depicted as a contemporary mid-rise structure.  The building would have a V-shaped foot print, creating space for two ground-floor courtyards.  Proposed ancillary features include a resident lounge, offices for LTSC, a food court, and a community room.

View from Towne AvenueFSY Architects

The Council, in addition to approving discretionary entitlements, also voted to adopt 414 Crocker's sustainable communities project exemption.

Little Tokyo Service Center, based out of the neighboring Little Tokyo neighborhood, acquired the Umeya Rice Cake Co. property for $8.4 million in 2019 - roughly two years after the business ceased operations.  The non-profit developer and service provider is also planning supportive housing projects adjacent to the Japanese American National Museum and on land next to Vermont/Santa Monica Station in East Hollywood.

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