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This project, consisting of 53 live-work units, is located on an extremely long and narrow lot opening to the newly constructed bike path and the Los Angeles River beyond in the Frogtown neighborhood of Los Angeles. Characterized by a mix of older, single-family homes, artist housing and low-slung industrial buildings, this is one of the most unique areas of Los Angeles, and development here is closely scrutinized by its longtime residents.

Working hand-in-hand with the local community to tailor this development to community needs through a series of outreach projects, this project transformed from a simple multi-family project into an arts-oriented live-work center. Community-oriented features included a two-story art gallery and Community Room, a public arts promenade along the adjacent alley, and a large, landscaped rear yard connecting the bike path to a public deck and river overlook.

Formally, the project is divided into two long buildings opening to a wide central courtyard that spans the length of the site. Crisscrossed above with multiple bridges and festoon lights, landscaped with minimalist but dramatic plantings, rocks and paving, and edged on one side with a dramatic three-story stone wall, this courtyard acts as a sort of canyon, creating unexpected opportunities for gatherings and framing views of the river beyond.

Architecturally, the project draws inspiration from its industrial neighbors. Offering a spare, modern and residential-scaled front facade, it reveals itself along its length as a multi-layered design reminiscent of mid-century factories with a rustic palette of plaster, split-faced CMU, stone, wood and metal.

The project offers two basic unit types. At the ground floor, two-story units feature double height living rooms and balconies at both floors. At the third floor, large studio units are provided with internal stairs leading to their own private roof decks.

CLIENT: UNCOMMON DEVELOPERS

PROGRAM: 3-STORY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH 53 LIVE-WORK UNITS AND 1 LEVEL OF SUBTERANNEAN PARKING WITH 66 PARKING STALLS

YEAR: ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION JANUARY, 2021

TEAM: KILLEFER FLAMMANG ARCHITECTS (MISTY KAPLAN / FIFTH WALL - PROJECT DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGER)

This project, consisting of 53 live-work units, is located on an extremely long and narrow lot opening to the newly constructed bike path and the Los Angeles River beyond in the Frogtown neighborhood of Los Angeles. Characterized by a mix of older, single-family homes, artist housing and low-slung industrial buildings, this is one of the most unique areas of Los Angeles, and development here is closely scrutinized by its longtime residents.

Working hand-in-hand with the local community to tailor this development to community needs through a series of outreach projects, this project transformed from a simple multi-family project into an arts-oriented live-work center. Community-oriented features included a two-story art gallery and Community Room, a public arts promenade along the adjacent alley, and a large, landscaped rear yard connecting the bike path to a public deck and river overlook.

Formally, the project is divided into two long buildings opening to a wide central courtyard that spans the length of the site. Crisscrossed above with multiple bridges and festoon lights, landscaped with minimalist but dramatic plantings, rocks and paving, and edged on one side with a dramatic three-story stone wall, this courtyard acts as a sort of canyon, creating unexpected opportunities for gatherings and framing views of the river beyond.

Architecturally, the project draws inspiration from its industrial neighbors. Offering a spare, modern and residential-scaled front facade, it reveals itself along its length as a multi-layered design reminiscent of mid-century factories with a rustic palette of plaster, split-faced CMU, stone, wood and metal.

The project offers two basic unit types. At the ground floor, two-story units feature double height living rooms and balconies at both floors. At the third floor, large studio units are provided with internal stairs leading to their own private roof decks.