A long-empty lot in Downtown Santa Monica could be redeveloped with housing and retail by developer WS Communities.

The project, detailed in materials presented to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board, would rise at 1437 5th Street.  Plans call for the construction of an eight-story edifice featuring 18 apartments, 45 single-room occupancy units, and 1,497 square feet of ground-floor retail.  No parking is planned within the building.

KFA Architecture is designing the building, which would rise approximately 84 feet in height. Floor plans show amenities including two community rooms and a rooftop deck.

The presentation to the Architectural Review Board is considered preliminary and only feedback is expected at this point in time.

The proposed apartment complex is one of several projects from WS Communities granted expedited processing as a result of a settlement agreement between the developer and the City of Santa Monica regarding a series of planned SRO buildings in the Downtown area.

WS Communities is planning similar eight-story developments at 1415 5th Street and 501 Broadway.  The Santa Monica-based firm has numerous projects planned or under construction in the Downtown area, and recently broke ground on its largest development yet - a 16-story tower in the Beverly Grove neighborhood.