New Fashion Center Spawns Optimism in L.A. Fashion District
Los Angeles’ Korean-American business community gathered May 19 to officially open L.A FACE, also known as the Los Angeles Fashion Center, a 200-unit apparel showroom center six years in the making.
Dignitaries from Los Angeles Councilmember Jan Perry’s office as well as Kent Smith and Lynn Myers from the Los Angeles Fashion District Business Improvement District joined officials from the Korean Apparel Manufacturers Association (KAMA); KOTRA, the Korean American Chamber of Commerce; and developer Crestpoint Group in a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour.
The seven-story structure, located off of San Pedro Street and Interstate 10, features commercial condominiums priced around $800,000 for units ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 square feet. The first 150 units have already been sold. The developer is holding off selling the remaining units until the real estate market improves.
“L.A. FACE will become a major hub [of fashion]. It gives business owners a chance to own their stores and not be at the mercy of landlords,” said developer Bruce Askari.
The developers formed a partnership with KAMA and its membership, receiving input on design and concept. KAMA members were among the first to view and purchase the units. LA FACE will offer wholesale clothing in juniors, accessories, menswear and childrenswear categories.
Askari claims his is the largest discount wholesale center in the Western region. It adds to the growing wholesale presence among Korean-American merchants since the San Pedro Wholesale Mart opened in 1994.
KAMA President Sam Yoon acknowledged that the proliferation of showrooms along San Pedro and Crocker streets in the southeast section of the Fashion District has resulted in overcrowding but said he was confident that the market can sustain itself.
New tenant Jared Hungerford of software company Nouvolution said the complex should create more excitement in this area of the Fashion District.
“It’s open and spacious,” he said. “We anticipate lots of foot traffic to come.” —Robert McAllister
