A plan for the development of a commercial site just two blocks west of Santa Monica College proposes the construction of a new eight-story edifice according to an application being considered by the City of Santa Monica.
The 1320 Pico Blvd project would incorporate 100 studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments on top of parking for 78 vehicles, according to West Hollywood-based real estate agency, Dylan Investments.
According to the application, requested approvals include tier 1 density bonus incentives as per Interim Zoning Ordinance 2699 — plus additional incentives as allowed by AB 1287 — to permit a bigger structure than otherwise permitted by zoning rules. As such, a total of 16 of the apartments will be set aside at below market rates.
In addition to the eight-story, Pico Blvd-facing structure, the proposal, designed by DFH Architects, also includes a smaller four-story structure at the rear of the site with amenities that include a pool, a gym and multiple terrace decks.
California's so-called builder's remedy lets developers ignore city zoning codes if they promise new affordable housing projects. This combined with the updated California state density law, the eight year cycle housing element and local rezoning ultimately means that eight story new builds are going to become more commonplace in Santa Monica, just like the new proposal at 14th and Olympic.
The site is a stone’s throw away from Corsair Field and Santa Monica College's new arts complex, currently under construction at Pico Blvd and 14th Street. Several affordable housing developments have recently been built in the nearby area by the Community Corporation of Santa Monica, including the Brunson Terrace apartments located at 1819 Pico Blvd.