About the Project

LTSC’s Umeya project, at the intersection of the Little Tokyo and Skid Row neighborhoods, will redevelop the iconic Umeya Rice Cake Company factory and warehouse into a transit-oriented, mixed-use development featuring 175 deeply affordable apartments. Half of all units will be set aside as permanent supportive housing (PSH). The ground floor is dedicated to approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of community, commercial, and service provider space. This highly sustainable LEED-certified building will feature a 4,000 sq. ft. landscaped courtyard, a community-led mural by local Skid Row artist Showzart, and an exhibit honoring Umeya as a three-generation, Japanese-American family-owned business.

“Being able to contribute towards alleviating the housing affordability crisis on a site symbolic to the history of both Little Tokyo and Skid Row is momentous. Along with our Little Tokyo community and the Umeya family, we’re grateful to our partnership with the Skid Row community and are eager to continue working together to create positive change.” – Takao Suzuki, Director of Community Development, Little Tokyo Service Center

“Our family business has been a part of the Little Tokyo neighborhood since 1918. Given Umeya’s history and the community who supported us for nearly 100 years, the two are forever inseparable. We are truly excited to see the fruits of LTSC advancing their proud mission towards community revitalization and cultural preservation for generations to come.” – Rex Hamano (Family Representative and Umeya President)

Project Highlights:

• Acquired in 2019; Projected completion slated in 2025
• Unit Mix: 175 units (102 studios, 60 one-bedroom units, 11 two-bedroom units, 2 two-bedroom manager units)
• Affordability: Extremely, very low income, and low income households (30% to 60% AMI). 50% of units are permanent supportive housing (PSH) set-asides for homeless households. The building will feature an on-site supportive services provider to provide wraparound services.
• Leasing Period: PSH units will be leased through the Coordinated Entry System. General Affordable units will be leased through a pre-application, lottery, and interview process. LTSC will post information regarding applications and eligibility in 2024.
• The ground floor is dedicated to approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of community, commercial, and service provider space.