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The Umeya Story: 5 Shocking Facts About The Massive New Development At 425 S Towne Ave Los Angeles CA 90013

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The address 425 S Towne Ave in Los Angeles, CA 90013, represents one of the most significant and transformative real estate projects in the Downtown LA area in recent memory. As of today, December 22, 2025, this specific location has transitioned from a historic industrial site into a crucial pillar of the city's affordable housing strategy, known as the Umeya Apartments.

This massive, seven-story mixed-use development is not just another building; it's a testament to preserving cultural history while addressing the urgent housing crisis in the heart of the city. The project, spearheaded by the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC), has garnered significant attention for its scale, its mission, and its incredibly timely completion.

The Complete Biography of a Landmark: From Rice Cakes to Residences

The history of the property at 425 S Towne Ave is deeply rooted in Los Angeles's cultural and industrial past, specifically in the legacy of the Japanese American community.

  • Site Address: 425 S Towne Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90013.
  • Neighborhood: Located in the Downtown Los Angeles area, specifically near the Arts District and Little Tokyo.
  • Original Entity: Umeya Rice Cake Company.
  • Original Use: Factory and warehouse for the Umeya Rice Cake Company.
  • Property Purchase: Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) purchased the property in May 2019.
  • Developer/Owner: Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC).
  • Project Name: Umeya Apartments (also referred to as Crocker Umeya Apartments).
  • Building Structure: New 7-story mixed-use building.
  • Total Units: 175 deeply affordable units.
  • Unit Breakdown: 88 units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for unhoused neighbors and 85 general affordable homes for low-income residents.
  • Completion/Opening Date: Set for Summer 2025.
  • Lottery Date: The lottery for the 85 general affordable units was held on February 14, 2025.

The property’s transformation is a powerful example of adaptive reuse, turning a symbol of the area's manufacturing history into a beacon of community-focused development.

The 5 Shocking Facts About the Umeya Apartments Development

The Umeya Apartments project is far from a typical real estate transaction. It represents a monumental effort to address the city’s most pressing issues. Here are the five most compelling facts about this massive development.

1. It Was Built on the Historic Umeya Rice Cake Factory Site

The address 425 S Towne Ave was the long-time home of the Umeya Rice Cake Company, a beloved and historic Japanese American business. The Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) acquired the property in 2019, recognizing the opportunity to honor the site's legacy while creating much-needed housing. The name "Umeya Apartments" is a direct tribute to the company that operated there for decades, connecting the new residential community to the rich cultural history of the adjacent Little Tokyo neighborhood. This blend of cultural preservation and modern development is a key feature of the project.

2. The Project Offers 100% Deeply Affordable Housing

In a city where housing costs continue to soar, the Umeya Apartments stand out as a fully dedicated affordable housing project. The complex features 175 units, all designated as "deeply affordable." These units are split into two crucial categories: 88 units are Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) designed for individuals experiencing homelessness, and 85 units are general affordable homes for low-income families and individuals. This dual focus addresses both chronic homelessness and the broader affordability crisis facing the working class in Downtown LA.

3. The Lottery Was Held in Early 2025, Signaling Imminent Opening

For those desperate for affordable housing, the timeline is the most critical detail. The project is set to open in the Summer of 2025, but the crucial step of unit allocation has already taken place. The lottery for the 85 general affordable units was held on February 14, 2025, following an open interest period that closed on January 31, 2025. This means that by the time you read this, the future residents have largely been selected and are preparing to move into their new homes, making this information incredibly up-to-date and relevant to the current housing market.

4. It’s a Mixed-Use Building with On-Site Supportive Services

The Umeya Apartments are a 7-story mixed-use building, a design choice common in modern urban development that promotes community and convenience. Beyond the residential units, the building includes community spaces, commercial areas, and, most importantly, dedicated service provider space. For the residents in the Permanent Supportive Housing units, this on-site access to services is life-changing, offering resources like case management, mental health support, and job training to help them transition successfully into permanent housing.

5. The Project is a Key Part of the Arts District/Little Tokyo Gateway

The location of 425 S Towne Ave places it strategically at the intersection of several vibrant and rapidly changing Downtown Los Angeles neighborhoods. It sits near the border of the trendy Arts District, known for its galleries and high-end loft conversions, and the historic Little Tokyo, a cultural hub. The development by the Little Tokyo Service Center emphasizes its role in supporting the area's long-term residents and maintaining diversity amidst rapid gentrification. It serves as a critical buffer, ensuring that the economic boom of the surrounding areas does not push out the city's most vulnerable populations.

The Broader Impact on Downtown Los Angeles Real Estate

The Umeya Apartments project is a perfect case study in how public-private partnerships are reshaping the Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) landscape. This development is part of a larger trend where former industrial and warehouse spaces are being redeveloped to meet residential demand.

Addressing the Housing Crisis with Topical Authority

The shift from industrial production (like the Umeya Rice Cake factory) to a residential, mixed-use structure highlights the evolution of the 90013 ZIP code. This area of DTLA, once dominated by warehouses and manufacturing, is now a high-density residential zone. Projects like Umeya are vital because they provide housing options that are otherwise unavailable in a market saturated with luxury apartments and high-priced lofts.

The inclusion of Permanent Supportive Housing units is a direct response to the city's homelessness crisis, providing stable homes and comprehensive services—a model that is gaining traction across California as a more effective solution than temporary shelters.

The Role of the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC)

The Little Tokyo Service Center, a key developer in this space, is a non-profit organization with a deep commitment to the area's cultural heritage. Their involvement ensures that the project is not simply a business venture but a community initiative. LTSC’s focus on preserving the spirit of the Umeya brand while providing essential services gives the development significant topical authority in discussions about equitable urban planning and community development in Los Angeles.

The success of the Umeya Apartments at 425 S Towne Ave provides a blueprint for future developments in the Arts District and surrounding areas, demonstrating that large-scale affordable housing can be successfully integrated into rapidly gentrifying urban centers.

The Umeya Story: 5 Shocking Facts About the Massive New Development at 425 S Towne Ave Los Angeles CA 90013
425 s towne ave los angeles ca 90013
425 s towne ave los angeles ca 90013

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