A micro-unit mixed-use project is proposed in Downtown LA’s Skid Row neighborhood. The high-density project, dubbed Efficient City Apartments, would convert four buildings from 721–813 F 5th St, to 160 apartments with an average size of 277 SF. The project includes 10k SF of retail and parking for 32 cars and 40 bicycles, reports Urbanize LA.

Once considered efficiency apartments, developers are now marketing the tiny single units as “micro units” to young professionals and returning military vets as an affordable, entry-level apartment option, particularly in desirable LA neighborhoods where rents are beyond their means.

Two of the buildings to be renovated were built 100 years ago as hotels to serve passengers arriving at Southern Pacific Railroad’s depot at 5th Street and Central Avenue. The depot was merged with Union Station in 1939, causing the hotels to lose passenger business. In recent years, the hotels have been used as tenement housing and a rehabilitation facility operated by the Salvation Army. [ULA]