Construction Started on Koreatown Retail Center : Block-Long, $7-Million Commercial Complex Scheduled for Completion in August

Another major commercial project is under way in Koreatown with the start of construction of a $7-million, block-long retail complex.

The two-level, pre-stressed concrete-and-steel structure will contain 45,000 square feet of leasable area and will include below-grade and surface parking for more than 100 vehicles, according to Tony Kouba, principal of Cloverleaf Group Inc., the developer.

The center, on the south side of 8th Street between Oxford and Serrano avenues, is expected to be completed in August, said Joe Puchalski of Tishman Construction Corp. of California, project construction manager. Both 8th Street and Oxford Avenue will be widened and trees will be planted.

Designed by John Sergio Fisher, the retail center will feature a contemporary Oriental motif. Bronze window detailing and blue window awnings will accent white stucco fascia bands with individual tenant signage, and a modified slate-gray mansard roof will provide the unifying element.

Coldwell Banker Commercial Real Estate Services and Parkland Realty are handling the leasing. Space is offered in modules ranging from 1,000 to 6,000 square feet. Gregg Seltzer of the Coldwell expects about 25 retail and professional tenants to occupy the elevator-served complex.

Bill Rhoten of Cloverleaf Group said more than 90,000 people reside within one mile of the center, an area that also contains 10 million square feet of offices.