Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects, also known as LOHA, has announced the start of construction for an $11-million supportive housing complex near Exposition Park.

The MLK1101 development, named for its location at 1101 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, will consist of a four-story building featuring 26 studio, one- and three-bedroom apartments for low-income families, veterans and chronically homeless individuals.  The building to households making between 30 and 60 percent of the Los Angeles area median income, with rents that range from $435 to $1,079 per month.

Clifford Beers Housing, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization, is the developer behind the low-rise complex.  Other members of the project team include LINK Landscape Architecture, SY Lee & Associates and John Labib & Associates.

According to LOHA, the design for MLK1101 aims to "create an environment that encourages health and community."  This concept is best exemplified by an elevated community garden, which sits atop the building's parking garage, and a street-facing staircase flanked by retail.  Additional features planned within the development include supportive service offices and community spaces such as a rooftop patio.

The project is seeking LEED Platinum certification.