Los Angeles Council Approves Arts District Housing Towers
The approved development at 2143 E. Violet Street includes two towers and hundreds of new residential units.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Commercial
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The Los Angeles City Council approved a mixed-use project in the Arts District featuring a 30-story and a 20-story tower. The development will provide 474 residential units, including 77 designated for very low- and extremely low-income households.
Why it matters
The developer adjusted the project plans to prioritize residential space over office components, responding to a notable decline in commercial demand following the pandemic. This shift reflects broader local efforts to meet housing needs in dense urban areas.
The site will feature 2,000 square feet of commercial space and heights reaching 344 feet and 226 feet. The development includes subterranean parking and preserves existing commercial buildings on the northern portion of the property.
The players
Los Angeles City Council
This is the primary legislative body of the City of Los Angeles responsible for land use, budget approvals, and municipal policy.
Onni Group
This real estate development and management firm is the project lead that adjusted plans to replace office space with residential units.
The details
The developer obtained necessary zone change approvals through Measure JJJ to facilitate the project at 2143 E. Violet Street. In addition to the primary towers, the design incorporates common walkways and retains the existing commercial structures on the north side.
Timeline
The Los Angeles City Council approved the development project on October 29, 2026.
Culture Shift
This project follows the mandate of Measure JJJ, which incentivizes affordable housing development through specific zoning approvals. It marks a departure from traditional mixed-use models by actively pivoting away from office space as market preferences evolve.
Residents can anticipate the addition of nearly 500 housing units in the Arts District as the project moves toward construction. The inclusion of 77 income-restricted units aims to provide housing options for lower-income households in this neighborhood.
The takeaway
The pivot toward residential towers highlights how developers are adapting to the diminished need for office environments. Prospective residents should watch for future updates on site groundbreaking as construction plans finalize.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest projects in the Los Angeles Commercial sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urbanize LA.
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Should city planners prioritize residential towers over office space to address local housing needs?
