LOS ANGELES-The Vermont, a massive mid-Wilshire mixed-use twin towers project, reaches a new milestone this week, as the highest levels will begin construction. The Vermont is a LEED-certified mix of residential, retail and recreational uses. Features include two high-rise towers surrounding a quarter-acre central courtyard, approximately 34,000 square feet for ground floor retailers, and public underground parking.

The buildings, one of the largest construction projects in the city in recent years, are expected to be finished next year after breaking ground in 2012. The project cost is estimated at $200 million. The 464-unit high-rise apartment complex is located at the southeast corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Vermont Ave., a formerly vacant lot in the Koreatown area of the city.

The project came through despite the headwinds of the Great Recession, backed by Washington Capital Management, JP Morgan and Bentall Kennedy. Officials from project developer J.H. Snyder Co. will join with lead equity investor Washington Capital, the Building Trades Association and 300 construction workers for a topping out ceremony on Thursday. The event will take place in the newly constructed sky lobby, which connects the two towers.