In October, the Santa Monica City Council signed off on a $500-million plan to expand the historic Miramar Hotel. As part of an agreement with the developer - Athens Group - the hotel expansion is to be accompanied by a new affordable housing complex on an adjoining property. Now, a presentation to the City's Architectural Review Board offers a first look at the proposed development.
The project, slated to replace a surface parking lot at 1127-1129 2nd Street, is being developed by Community Corp. of Santa Monica. The non-profit is planning a five-story structure which would feature 42 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments -all of which would be priced below market rate - above basement parking for 42 vehicles.
Gwynne Pugh Urban Studio is designing the proposed development, which is depicted in renderings as a contemporary low-rise structure clad with white brick, stucco, and grey metal panels. Architectural plans show that the building would have a U-shaped footprint above its ground-floor, encircling a central courtyard. Plans also call for a community room at street level.
The presentation to the Architectural Review Board is intended to solicit feedback. No vote on the project is scheduled at this point in time.
The genesis 2nd Street apartment project, as previously mentioned, is the development agreement for the neighboring Miramar Hotel complex, which is expected to be completed in 2026. Other community benefits to be paid for by the project's backers include senior programs, transportation improvements, and early childhood initiatives.
Besides the 2nd Street development, Community Corp. is currently in the construction or entitlement phases for three projects in the Pico neighborhood.
- Santa Monica (Urbanize LA)
Looking for affordable housing? Visit lahousing.lacity.org/aahr
