New angles of mixed-use project at 1527 Lincoln in Santa Monica

A staff presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board unveils new angles of a mixed-use apartment complex planned a few blocks from the E Line's western terminus.

The project from Cypress Equity Investments (CEI), slated to replace a stretch of commercial buildings at 1527 Lincoln Boulevard, calls for the construction of a five-story edifice featuring 114 studio, one, two-, and three-bedroom residences atop 8,840 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and subterranean parking for 100 vehicles.

CEI has proposed eight on-site affordable units within the project, as well as 21 additional affordable units to be provided at an off-site location nearby.

Ottinger Architects is designing 1527 Lincoln, which would feature a contemporary exterior composed of fiber cement panels, metal, plaster, and wood panels. Plans show two interconnected structure, linked by a rooftop deck, with courtyard spaces located at street level.

"The contemporary design is conceived as solid forms with punched openings, recessed balconies, chamfers, and cuts that give the project a sculptural quality," reads a staff report. "The linear court extends from Lincoln Boulevard to the rear alley, breaking the development into two distinct forms as viewed from the street. The angled and chamfered building façade along Lincoln Boulevard provides movement to the building, and the screen at the south façade enhances this sensibility within a lighter framework."

The project is the latest in a string of new mixed-use apartment buildings to rise along Lincoln Boulevard near its intersection with Colorado Avenue, including multiple projects developed by CEI. Work is ongoing for a 100-unit apartment building from WS Communities across the street from 1527 Lincoln, while a larger project 280-unit complex from Related Cos. is set to replace a neighboring Vons supermarket.

• Santa Monica (Urbanize LA)