KTGY Group announced that construction is under way on Olympic & Olive, a new 201-unit mixed-use rental community in downtown Los Angeles, developed by Miami-based Lennar Multifamily Communities. Designed by KTGY, the contemporary 1.08-acre development is located in the South Park neighborhood on the southwest corner of Olympic Boulevard and Olive Street and is Lennar’s first project in Downtown Los Angeles. Olympic & Olive is slated for completion in summer 2016.
The new urban residential community at 1001 S. Olive Street will offer open floor plans consisting of 64 studios, 109 one bedroom units, and 28 two-bedroom units, ranging in size from approximately 500 square feet to 1,100 square feet.
"This development continues the trend of more residential units in the historic downtown LA core," said KTGY Principal David Senden. "Like most developments downtown these days, we’re focusing on Gen Y and their preferences."
According to Senden, the amenity spaces in this residential community will be special. "With a big clubroom space spilling out to a beautiful pool and sundeck on level three and a roof terrace and outdoor kitchen at level seven, there are a host of gathering places and interesting spots to entertain or relax. The ground floor level has 4,000 square feet of retail targeted for a restaurant that will cater to this demographic," Senden said.
The development also features 12 two-story "loft-style" apartment units on the ground floor along Olive Street that feature individual walk-up entries with direct access from Olive Street, private patios, and landscaped courtyards. Access for the residential units will be located on the east side of the community along Olive Street and will flow into the residential lobby for residents and visitors. Also on the ground floor are the leasing office, residential elevator lobby, mail room, bicycle storage area.
"Unlike other developments, the community offers townhomes running along Olive Street, allowing residents to have direct access from the sidewalk," said Senden. "In addition to the restaurant space, these townhome units will hide the parking garage and make for a friendly pedestrian experience."
The third level features a lushly-landscaped central courtyard along Olive Street that includes a pool, spa and seating areas, two additional courtyards, and two large resident amenity spaces, including a 1,500- square-foot fitness center.
"An extensive use of different varieties of metal on the skin of the building will set this building apart from other buildings of this type downtown that rely primarily on stucco as their cladding material," said Senden. "Oversized curtains on the exterior of the amenity's space add a bit of whimsy along with shading the large expanses of glass from the southerly sun."
Overall, the project design includes nearly 22,000 square feet of open space. Two above-grade levels of parking and one subterranean level are planned, providing a total of 228 spaces. The community will also have parking for 221 bikes.
“Really, it’s all about lifestyle. Even though this development is located in the heart of downtown, we want residents to feel like they have a respite from that hustle and bustle when they get home. It should be their sanctuary,” said Senden.
Related Stories
Architects | Sep 24, 2015
Supertall buildings vie for dominance along Chicago’s skyline
The latest proposals pit designs by Rafael Viñoly, Jeanne Gang, and Helmut Jahn.
Architects | Sep 24, 2015
From Gehry to the High Line: What makes a project a game-changer?
Each year, there are a handful of projects that significantly advance the AEC industry or a particular building type. Send us your game-changing projects for BD+C’s January 2016 special report.
Cultural Facilities | Sep 24, 2015
Bakpak Architects' 'pottery courtyard' concept in Poland incorporates local heritage
The multifunctional building proposed for Rzeszow, Poland, looks like it was handcrafted on a potter’s wheel.
Modular Building | Sep 23, 2015
SOM and DOE unveil 3D-printed, off-the-grid building
The Additive Manufacturing Integrated Energy (AMIE) building features a high-performance shell with a photovoltaic roof and built-in natural gas generator.
Airports | Sep 23, 2015
JFK Airport's dormant TWA terminal will be reborn as a hotel
After 15 years of disuse, the Googie architecture-inspired TWA Flight Center at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will be transformed into a hotel. Gizmodo reports that the city’s Port Authority chose a renovation proposal from Jet Blue this week.
Architects | Sep 23, 2015
Architecture billings dip in August, but no 'cause for concern' says AIA economist
The American Institute of Architects reported the August ABI score was 49.1, down from a mark of 54.7 in July. This score reflects a slight decrease in design services.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 21, 2015
Tokyo Olympic Stadium saga ends for Zaha Hadid
After resubmitting a bid, the firm will not design the main venue for the 2020 Olympics after all.
University Buildings | Sep 21, 2015
6 lessons in campus planning
For campus planning, focus typically falls on repairing the bricks and mortar without consideration of program priorities. Gensler's Pamela Delphenich offers helpful tips and advice.
Museums | Sep 21, 2015
Ma Yansong and Jeanne Gang revise Chicago lakefront Lucas Museum
New renderings of the proposed Lucas Museum show a scaled-down building on more green space.
Designers | Sep 21, 2015
Can STEAM power the disruptive change needed in education?
Companies need entrepreneurial and creative workers that possess critical thinking skills that allow them to function in collaborative teams. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education might be the solution.
