Koreatown is a highly sought-after neighborhood in Los Angeles, known for its pedestrian-friendly streets, vibrant nightlife, and convenient access to both downtown and central LA. A Korean company is leveraging this prime location by partnering with Andmore Partners, a local Los Angeles-based architecture firm, to develop The Bora at 3355-77 Olympic Boulevard. The goal of this collaboration is to offer a luxurious residential experience that caters to the high-end market and establishes a strong presence in the Southern California real estate market.
The architects have skillfully avoided a monolithic appearance for the block by incorporating a sense of rhythm into the design. Recessed windows add depth and create an inviting interplay of light and shadow. Angled, inset wood paneling has been added at strategic locations to cleverly catch the warm glow of the western sun. A striking black tower has been installed at the corner of St. Andrews Place, adding a touch of dynamism to the overall aesthetic. Finally, the street-level landscape includes beautiful flowering trees, which will infuse the block with vibrant color and charm.
In the lobby, floor-to-ceiling vertical wood fins filter light and provide subtle screening between the entrance and communal seating areas, including a built-in conference table. A custom black-marble concierge desk feels refined against the raw concrete floor and blends with other black materials, including window frames and mail boxes. Concealed soffit lighting lends to the luxurious look, while wood screens partition a handsome mailbox area. An artificial green wall adds a touch of nature.
The ground floor offers ample parking space. However, instead of placing the garage at the street level, Andmore Partners convinced the client to locate condo units along the streetscape. These units have high ceilings and large windows, along with an industrial interior design, giving them a loft-like live-work feeling. The subterranean garage boasts a sophisticated ambiance, complete with planted screens, strip lighting on the descent, and a wood-slat branded wall with elegant lighting.
The second floor of the building offers outdoor decks for the units, which not only provide a great amenity for residents, but also contribute to a safer streetscape. In addition, there are a number of community amenities available on the second floor, including a pool/spa deck, outdoor BBQ areas, and two rec rooms—one designed as a professional meeting space and the other as a social venue. These features add to the overall quality of life for residents, making it a desirable place to live, work, and play.
A variety of units are offered, including 114 one bedrooms, 32 two-bedroom corner units, six three-bedroom penthouse apartments, and one four-bedroom penthouse. Spacious seventh-floor penthouse units are designed with high ceilings of 10 feet.
Interior design of the apartments carries the rhythm and complexity found in the architecture. Kitchen and bath cabinetry throughout feature wood finishes, while backsplashes and counters are tile and laminate in the smaller units and marble for the penthouses.
The penthouse level of the building features a third stunning rec room with a grid of 12 skylights that emit abundant daylight. In addition, the room includes an inset flatscreen TV, gas fireplace, cozy seating, and a kitchen, all overlooking the shared rooftop deck and desert garden. The roof deck itself is equipped for entertaining, with built-in seating and planters that carve out conversational spaces with fantastic city and sunset views. Residents can relax and enjoy the best of city living on this rooftop oasis, making it a desirable spot for hosting guests or simply unwinding after a long day.
