Mack Real Estate Group, Mack Urban and AECOM Capital announced today the formation of a new investment partnership with Capri Capital Partners, LLC (“Capri”) for development of the $144-million multifamily mixed-use project at 1230 South Olive Street and 1231 South Hill Street in the South Park district of Downtown Los Angeles. Construction of the two-building property, which will comprise 362 residential rental units and 4,000 square feet of retail space, began on March 2. 

“This is an incredibly exciting development in a neighborhood full of opportunity,” said Richard Mack, CEO of Mack Real Estate Group, the capital partner of Mack Urban. “We’re pleased to be able to announce our new partnership with Capri at the same time we kick off construction.” The site is one of several in Downtown Los Angeles that Mack Real Estate Group, Mack Urban, and AECOM Capital acquired for approximately $80 million in October 2013. 

“We have spent 15 months on the strategic design and planning of this project, and we’re happy to get it under way because we believe it is well tailored to local demand,” said Mack Urban Founding Principal and CEO Paul Keller. “The rental units have been thoughtfully designed to appeal to a young, urban, professional demographic. Units will be intentionally smaller to keep price points more affordable, but the building will be highly amenitized in a way that conforms to a modern, urban lifestyle.” 

“This modern apartment project will be a welcome addition to Downtown LA’s South Park neighborhood, and promises to help meet the demand for housing while injecting new life into a formerly underutilized site,” said Ken Lombard, Vice Chairman, Investments and Partner for Capri. “We are excited to be investing in one of the most active residential markets in Los Angeles, and to play a role in the changing landscape of this diverse community.” 

A joint venture between Tishman Construction, an AECOM company, and Morley Builders will serve as the general contractor for the project, which was designed by architects Togawa Smith Martin, Inc., the residential arm of AC Martin. Construction is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2017, with pre-leasing commencing in the fourth quarter of 2016. 

South Park has become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Downtown, with extraordinary retail and entertainment amenities that include L.A. Live, Staples Center, numerous local restaurants, popular bars, independent art galleries, a Ralph’s supermarket, and a Whole Foods slated to open in November 2015. 

The new project includes two buildings with a combined total of 362 residential units, all rentals, on two adjacent sites separated by an alley and bordered by Olive, Pico and Hill streets. The two structures, located at 1230 South Olive St. and 1231 South Hill St., will provide 4,000 square feet of ground-level retail space, slated to feature a local restaurant catered to the community. The plans include a public park with outdoor seating, an improved paseo and porte cochere, as well as a bridge that connects the two buildings on the second floor podium level. “We are eagerly anticipating the completion of this development, which is designed to help ‘put the park back in South Park,’ and create a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood for residents who want to be at the heart of the high energy Downtown lifestyle,” said AECOM Capital Chief Executive John Livingston. 

The two seven-story buildings will feature five levels of wood construction framed above two levels of concrete podium. Two levels of subterranean parking will accommodate 438 cars, and will cater to ecofriendly residents with 40 charging stations for electric vehicles. Also in tune with the times is a large bicycle room and repair shop that can house up to 400 bikes. 

Abundant lifestyle amenities will include a pool deck complete with a spa, cabanas, loung…