Affordable Housing Almost Ready at 611 South Hobart Boulevard in Koreatown, Los Angeles

Construction is wrapping up on a new affordable housing development at 611 South Hobart Boulevard in Koreatown, Los Angeles. The project features a seven-story building that will offer 80 apartments, designed as a mix of studios and one-bedroom units.

The development is moving forward under the city’s Executive Directive 1, which is intended to speed up the approval process for affordable housing projects across Los Angeles. The property is located just south of 6th Street, replacing a preschool that previously occupied the site.

According to permit filings, Leo Lee is serving as both applicant and developer. EWAI is leading the architectural design. The project takes advantage of density bonus incentives, allowing the building to exceed standard zoning limits by providing affordable housing. No on-site parking has been included in the plans.

611 South Hobart Street via EWAI

The building’s design features a clean, modern style, using simple geometric forms and a practical layout. The exterior pairs a muted gray palette with a bright white frame, highlighted by a bold vertical strip of green panels. These panels shift between lighter and darker shades to create a sense of movement, while also breaking up the vertical massing and making the structure feel more approachable at street level.

The green feature wall also houses open-air corridors that provide access to apartments on each floor. Large windows and metal balcony railings line the building’s street-facing side, giving the façade a steady rhythm and maximizing natural light and airflow for residents.

At the ground floor, the main entrance is framed by floor-to-ceiling glass, creating a transparent, welcoming frontage along Hobart Boulevard. Landscaping elements, including trees and planters, are positioned along the sidewalk to soften the transition between the building and the street, encouraging pedestrian engagement.

Overall, the project emphasizes efficiency and simplicity, while incorporating subtle design elements that give it a distinct identity. The compact footprint and absence of parking reflect a broader trend toward denser, transit-friendly housing in Koreatown and other parts of Los Angeles.

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