Supportive housing opens at 1413 Michigan Avenue in Santa Monica

Earlier this month, developer EAH Housing and Santa Monica officials marked the completion of The Laurel, a new permanent supportive housing complex located in the Pico neighborhood.

View from 14th StreetGary Leonard

The project, built on the former site of Santa Monica Nikkei Hall at 1413 Michigan Avenue, consists of a four-story building featuring 57 studio apartments reserved for renters earning between 30 and 50 percent of the area median income level, as well as a market-rate manager's unit. Other components of the project include laundry facilities, a community room, services provided by The People Concern, and a 12-car parking lot.

According to a news release from EAH Housing, residents at the property include adjunct professors, filmmakers, and business owners who found themselves unhoused due to unexpected mishaps. More than half are seniors or have disabilities.

KFA Architecture designed The Laurel, which has a C-shaped footprint wrapping a landscaped courtyard with seating. Additional open spaces are provided in the form of a community deck on the third floor and a second-level patio, both of which overlook the courtyard.

Ribbon cuttingGary Leonard

Santa Monica Nikkei Hall, built in the 1950s, was designated a landmark in 2018 after sitting vacant for several years. Portions of the building have been restored and incorporated into the apartment complex, including its original windows, entry porch, woodwork, and Japanese Garden.

With the completion of The Laurel, Santa Monica now is home to 181 units of permanent supportive housing. New developments totaling 98 supportive units are now in the planning stages.

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