The Santa Monica Architectural Review Board unanimously approved a 260-unit housing development Monday, Sept. 15, after the developer hired a new architect and completely redesigned the project, abandoning what board members called a problematic ‘Jenga blocks’ concept.
The 8-story mixed-use development at 1907-1933 Wilshire Boulevard will include 26 affordable housing units and approximately 21,500 square feet of commercial space above four levels of underground parking. The project represents one of the largest residential developments to gain approval in the city's Mixed-Use Boulevard district this year.
The developer, US 1931 Wilshire Owner LLC, was forced to return to the drawing board after the board rejected the original design in December 2024. Board members had criticized the initial proposal's block-like appearance, lack of street connectivity, and poor integration with surrounding buildings.
"I think the Jenga concept was for me very disconcerting — one of the most difficult proposals we've seen to kind of unravel," said Board member Kevin Daly during Monday's meeting. "I appreciate the way this has been taken on."
The revised design replaces the angular ‘Jenga’ aesthetic with a more traditional approach featuring gridded windows, projecting frames, and recessed upper floors clad in darker materials to reduce visual bulk. The new plan also creates more open courtyards and improves natural light access throughout the building.
The 85-foot-tall building will consolidate three parcels between 19th and 20th streets on the north side of Wilshire Boulevard. Vehicle access will be provided from the rear alley, while the ground floor will feature commercial tenants facing Wilshire Boulevard and four residential units.
Associate Planner Shira Moch told the board that the redesign addressed key concerns raised during the initial review, including the need for greater building porosity, better street-level design, and improved integration with neighboring properties.
The revised project follows a clear architectural hierarchy that begins at street level and scales upward. The ground level features a gridded window system designed to create depth and visual interest, while upper floors are set back with darker materials to reduce the building's perceived scale.
Vice Chair Craig A. Hamilton expressed support for the project, calling it "significantly better" than the original proposal. Multiple board members praised the developer's decision to hire a new architectural team rather than make minor modifications to the rejected design.
The approval comes with several conditions that must be addressed before construction begins. The developer must find an alternative support system for a prominent architectural frame, increase the number of sun-shade fins on the building's exterior, and enlarge trees planned for the second-floor courtyard.
Board members also required modifications to how metal panels wrap around corners of the building and adjustments to balcony proportions on the rear elevation.
The landscaping plan drew scrutiny from Board Member Qianyu Li, who worried about tree placement and size in courtyard areas. "From day one, probably the size elevation won't be able to be as pretty as what you rendered in your elevation," Li said, referring to small trees currently planned for key viewing areas.
The board required larger trees and additional plantings to better support the building's appearance from Wilshire Boulevard. The project must also address uplighting for landscaping that could disturb residents on upper floors.
The development represents a significant addition to Santa Monica's housing stock amid ongoing statewide pressure to increase residential construction. Under California's Housing Accountability Act, the city has limited ability to reject projects that meet objective zoning standards, though the architectural review board retains authority over design elements.
The original application was submitted in August 2024, with administrative approval granted in July 2025. The project site currently contains existing structures that have already received demolition permits.
The redesign was handled by Tai Architecture, which replaced the original design team after the December rejection. The new architects used the board's previous comments as guidance for developing the revised approach.
The contemporary building design emphasizes outdoor space, natural light, and ventilation through consistent architectural language. Materials include various shades of plaster, corrugated and flat metal panels, smooth concrete, masonry blocks, composite wood, and brass and steel accents with ceramic tile highlights.
Seven existing Washington Robusta street trees will be preserved as part of the landscape plan, which emphasizes drought-tolerant California native species throughout the development.
Board members expressed satisfaction with the developer's willingness to start over completely rather than make incremental changes. The dramatic redesign approach was viewed as demonstrating serious commitment to addressing the board's concerns.
Construction timelines were not announced, though the approval expires if building permits are not obtained within 24 months. The project still requires final plan review and building permit approval before construction can begin.