Plans called for the redevelopment of a challenging underutilized parcel in the Historic Core of Downtown Los Angeles. Pinched between a large-scale parking structure and the historic Saint Vibiana Cathedral, the City’s first Catholic cathedral (recently transformed into an events venue), STOA achieves a density of 255 DU/AC with 237 apartment units and 3,800 SF of resident-serving retail. The impressive site yield was made possible by proposing a cost-effective Type III Modified Construction where the elevated concrete podium is divided into two levels with an additional five levels of wood framing above. Three levels of subterranean parking were required to fully park the site. The contemporary urban design is well-integrated with the diversely styled adjacent buildings by playing off the material palettes of each structure. An expansive 15,000 sf roof terrace provides a true “Oasis within the City”, complete with landscaped gardens, passive lounge areas, barbeques and a sun terrace with swimming pool. At ground level, residents have full access to a fitness center and clubhouse which opens up to a courtyard and pedestrian paseo shared with the cathedral.