Even as neighboring business owners attempt to block the project, the City of Santa Monica is moving forward with plans to raze a public parking garage in near the Third Street Promenade to property with affordable housing.

Parking Structure 3 at 1318-1320 4th Street in Santa MonicaGoogle Street View

At a meeting earlier this month, the Santa Monica City Council approved an exclusive negotiation agreement with developer EAH housing for the site of Parking Structure 3 at 1318-1320 4th Street.

“Our region suffers from a dearth of affordable housing and we in Santa Monica are committed to improving the crisis and getting people into housing that can be the foundation for stability,” said Santa Monica Mayor Sue Himmelrich in a statement. “We aren’t waiting for private development to lead the way. We are leading by making available a precious resource that makes it possible – land. This is a project that addresses the biggest needs of the day, including homelessness, affordability, and equity, and reflects our community’s values.” 

EAH, which was one of seven respondents to a request for proposals, has put forth two alternatives for the parking garage site, both of which come from a team that includes The People Concern, VTBS Architects, Epstein & Associates, AMJ Construction Management, California Housing Partnership, and The Lynch Group, Inc. Alternative schemes would either see 150 or 120 income-restricted units built on the site, with 50 units reserved as permanent supportive housing under both scenarios.

Parking Structure 3 site in Downtown Santa MonicaGoogle Maps

In endorsing the selection of EAH, a staff report points to the firm's experience with large affordable and permanent supportive housing developments, two projects already approved or under construction in the City of Santa Monica.

Final approval of the development agreement for the Parking Structure 3 site is contingent on approval by the Santa Monica City Council.