About the Project

Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) is a non-profit social service organization and affordable housing developer that has been improving the lives of individuals and families for 40 years.

LTSC has developed approximately 1,000 units of affordable and permanent supportive housing in Greater Los Angeles. Currently we are partnering with the Los Angeles County Metro Transit Authority (Metro) to build 160-200 affordable units and approximately 15,000-20,000 square feet of commercial and social service space at the Vermont/Santa Monica Metro station. All units will be affordable for low-income households, with half of all units reserved for homeless individuals and families.

In April 2018, LTSC initiated a community engagement process to introduce our organization and invite community input. Please share ideas for the project on the form included on this webpage. Your input is valuable and will influence the development process as it proceeds. Fill out the form to help us build transit-oriented, affordable housing and commercial spaces that meet the needs of communities.

April 2019 Update:

Thank you everyone for your input this past year on the Santa Monica Vermont (SMV) 100% Affordable Housing Apartments project! These past 12 months LTSC has worked together with both our partner LA Metro and the East Hollywood community to develop and refine the program. The following is the culmination of our efforts together this past year. Thanks to your support, we have a chance at making this Project happen in time to address today’s E. Hollywood housing crisis. Let’s keep it moving!

Program Highlights:

• 187 apartments, 100% Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) and Very Low Income (50% AMI) units
• At least half of all units will be set aside for permanent supportive housing (PSH). The building will feature an on-site supportive services provider, Housing Works, to provide wraparound services
• Accessible integration of the SMV Apartments building structure and Metro Public Plaza/station
• A comprehensive suite of transit improvements, including a Bicycle/Mobility Hub, Mobility Hub kiosk, First Last Mile improvements, and new and improved rapid and local bus stops and shelters
• Food Court along the Plaza for maximum activation of adjacent public space. Please submit ideas for programming of Metro Plaza, including local/legacy businesses, food carts, etc.
• Plans for Health Center (Federally Qualified) and Pharmacy/Convenience Store

2018-2019 Happenings:

• LTSC and Metro have participated in over 50 meetings, doorknocking sessions, and presentations + discussions with more than a dozen community, civic, and neighboring groups in the E. Hollywood neighborhood, seeking input and feedback.
• Metro has been reviewing the Design Concept. As soon as it has Metro clearance, the Project can move forward and apply for entitlements.
• Thank you East Hollywood Neighborhood Council Board Member Nina Suarez for your support of SMV Apartments at the March 20, 2019 EHNC Candidates Forum! Watch the livestream here at 5:44 min on the EHNC Facebook page.

Renderings

Vermont Avenue View
Santa Monica Boulevard View
New Hampshire Avenue View