Transforming Wilshire and Vermont into a Vertical Urban Hub
Koreatown’s Mid-Wilshire Corridor has evolved into one of Los Angeles’ most dynamic live-work neighborhoods, active from early morning through late night. At the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, JH Snyder and Harbor Group recognized an opportunity to anchor that momentum with a development scaled to both the city and the community. The Vermont responds to this moment with a mixed-use residential and retail destination that strengthens transit connectivity, activates the street, and reinforces the corridor’s identity as a vibrant urban hub.
Occupying 1.91 acres at one of the most visible corners in Los Angeles, the 725,000-square-foot development rises as two high-rise towers comprising 464 multifamily residences above 41,000 square feet of retail. HED served as Executive Architect for the $200 million new construction project, partnering with The Jerde Partnership and leading the technical execution of a complex, large-scale development in a dense urban context. The result is a LEED Silver certified community that integrates architecture, engineering coordination, and sustainable design into a cohesive whole.
The Vermont’s design capitalizes on its proximity to major transit lines, positioning the Wilshire/Vermont intersection as a true gateway. At street level, retail storefronts line the sidewalks, drawing pedestrians into an active, transparent base that extends the energy of the neighborhood. Above, residential towers frame the intersection and introduce a strong vertical presence that reflects the growing density of Koreatown.
A defining feature of the project is its 18,000 square feet of publicly accessible outdoor space. These open areas front the development and create breathing room along the busy corridor. Landscaped terraces and gathering zones offer residents and visitors places to pause, meet, and experience the city from a new vantage point. Thoughtful site planning also accommodates 896 parking spaces, balancing urban accessibility with the practical demands of a large mixed-use program.
Sustainability strategies guided the project from concept through delivery. Achieving LEED Silver certification, The Vermont incorporates energy-conscious systems and performance-driven design decisions that align with Los Angeles’ environmental priorities. HED’s role as Executive Architect required close collaboration across disciplines, translating the design vision into detailed documentation while coordinating structural, mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems within a tight urban footprint. That integrated effort supported cost control, schedule discipline, and constructability across all 464 residential units and the expansive retail podium.
Today, The Vermont stands as a catalyst for continued growth along the Mid-Wilshire Corridor. It introduces new housing options in a transit-rich location, expands neighborhood retail offerings, and shapes a more defined urban edge at a landmark intersection. By aligning smart density, public space, and sustainable design, the project reinforces Koreatown’s identity as a twenty-four-hour community and advances HED’s positioning as a trusted, integrated architecture and engineering company capable of delivering complex mixed-use developments in Los Angeles and beyond.
