Introduction to Office Conversion

The latest instance of adaptive office reuse for housing is underway in Koreatown, where a 20-story office tower is set to be converted into apartments.

Background on Jamison Services

Jamison Services is planning to turn a 20-story office building at 3550 Wilshire Boulevard into 495 apartments, Urbanize Los Angeles reported, citing a permit recently issued by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. The building will be called “Walker,” according to a project page on Jamison’s website.

In addition to the nearly 500 units of housing, Jamison’s Walker proposal also calls for the renovation of existing ground-floor amenities as well as the addition of a rooftop amenity deck and penthouse mezzanines. Renderings for the project, designed by Rockefeller Partners Architects, show a rooftop pool and barbecue area being added to the building.

Existing Tenants and Project Details

The existing ground-floor tenants, such as Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, will remain in place. Jamison is no stranger to office-to-residential conversion projects in the Wilshire corridor. In November, the Koreatown-based firm started work on a similar adaptive reuse project at 3325 Wilshire Boulevard, across the street from the company’s headquarters at 3333 Wilshire. Nearby, Jamison is also working on a ground-up high-rise complex at 3600 Wilshire. In 2023, the company filed plans to convert a 17-story office tower at 6380 Wilshire, near the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, into 210 apartments.

Adaptive Reuse and Housing Goals

As Los Angeles looks to meet its housing goals, which include nearly 457,000 new units by the end of the decade, office-to-residential projects like Jamison’s 3550 Wilshire initiative could help close the gap. In April, the Los Angeles City Council approved a revised Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, which expands the 1999 zoning ordinance that facilitated the creation of over 12,000 housing units in downtown L.A. The revision is part of the broader Citywide Housing Incentive Program to increase housing availability in the city.

Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance

Under the updated policy, more developers will be able to repurpose underutilized buildings, with the city growing adaptive reuse incentives citywide and reducing eligibility requirements. The original ordinance applied only to buildings constructed before 1974, but the new policy allows conversions of structures at least 15 years old. Projects involving newer buildings or those seeking additional zoning flexibility will be eligible for city approval through a new, streamlined process.

Read More

For more information on related projects and developments:

• Jamison looks for buyer after $35M default on LA offices
• Historic Koreatown apartments slated for 53-unit redevelopment
• Crescent Heights plans LA’s biggest condo conversion project in 52 years

Conclusion

The conversion of the Koreatown office tower into apartments not only contributes to the area’s residential offerings but also underscores the city’s commitment to adaptive reuse as a strategy for meeting its housing goals. As Los Angeles continues to evolve, projects like Jamison’s Walker will play a significant role in shaping the city’s landscape and addressing its housing needs.

FAQs

• Q: What is the location of the office building being converted into apartments?
  A: The office building is located at 3550 Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown.
• Q: How many apartments will the building be converted into?
  A: The building will be converted into 495 apartments.
• Q: What is the name of the project?
  A: The project is called “Walker.”
• Q: What changes are being made to the building besides the conversion into apartments?
  A: The existing ground-floor amenities will be renovated, and a rooftop amenity deck and penthouse mezzanines will be added.
• Q: What is the significance of the Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance revision?
  A: The revision allows for more buildings to be repurposed into housing, helping Los Angeles meet its housing goals by increasing the availability of housing units.