11001 Vermont

A series of light wells accords a uniform rhythm to the building facade.

PROJECT SUMMARY
Client:              SoLa Impact
Landscape: Harmony Gardens, Inc.
Location:         11001 S. Vermont Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90044
Units: 84 Units (20 Affordable, 1 Manager)
Density: 205 du/ac
Size: 51,116 GSF (32,676 Residential NSF)
Funding: Private
Status:             In Construction

SoLa Vermont is located in an Opportunity Zone in the LA County Westmont / West Athens Specific Plan area.  The project is primarily market rate with 25% of the units designated affordable, including supportive housing for the homeless.  The project owner is an opportunity zone investment fund driving positive social change by expediting housing production via modular construction.  The owner’s vision is to utilize a typical apartment module on multiple project sites, thereby speeding project implementation.  SoLa Vermont is located on a broad, commercial stretch of South Vermont Blvd. in close proximity to transit.  The design challenge was to develop a comfortable one-bedroom apartment module that meets the stringent code requirements of the federal Section 8 housing voucher program within a 400 SF unit.  Each unit includes one bedroom window and one living room window, allowing ample light and air into the interiors.  A series of five-foot wide light wells accords a uniform rhythm to the building façade as the light slot created by the living room window is mirrored with the adjacent unit and stacked.  A significant design innovation is the use of light-gauge steel framing for modular construction, which offers greater longevity and ease of installation relative to typical wood-frame modules.   The ground floor program includes lobby, community room, laundry room, management offices and social service offices.  The “L”-shaped building wraps a sunny roof deck with seating areas and ample foliage located above the ground-floor parking lot.  Parking is accessed from the alley.