An updated to presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board unveils new plans to build affordable housing an empty lot just west of Lincoln Boulevard.

The project, which comes from prolific developer Santa Monica developer WS Communities, would rise from a nearly 7,500-square-foot property at 1514 7th Street.  Plans call for an eight-story building containing 50 one-, two-, and three-bedroom dwellings with 792 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. 

The proposed apartment building, which is intended to satisfy the off-site affordable housing requirements for two WS Communities projects at 1543 7th Street and 1425 5th Street, would not include on-site automobile parking.

KFA Architecture's design for the project has evolved since an initial presentation to the Architectural Review Board in May 2019.  In addition to revisions to the building's 7th Street elevation - including a new color scheme and relocated balconies - a proposed rooftop terrace has been moved to the to the western side of the structure to provide a view of the ocean.

A staff report to the Architectural Review Board acknowledges the revisions to the design, but also expresses concerns with its front facade and staggered profile.

WS Communities, which has more than 20 projects in development in its home town of Santa Monica, is planning a slew of mixed-use buildings along 7th Street between Broadway and Colorado Avenue featuring both market-rate and affordable housing.

Interested in finding affordable housing? Visit housing.lacity.org.

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