A vacant lot in Downtown Santa Monica could be the latest property developed into housing by WS Communities, according to a report to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board.

The property, an infill site at 1437 6th Street, is slated for the construction of a six-story structure containing 11 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, 41 single-room occupancy units, and one basement level containing 72 bicycle parking spaces, but no automobile parking.  Plans call for nine apartments to be set aside for lower-income renters.

The podium-type development, designed by KFA Architecture, is described as a modern infill project, offering amenities such as a small courtyard, community rooms, and a rooftop deck.

While the Architectural Review Board is not scheduled to vote on the project at this point in time, a staff report recommends feedback to the development team on issues such as the orientation of the building's courtyard and its interaction with 6th Street.

The proposed development is among six projects from WS Communities that have been granted expedited processing per the terms of a settlement agreement with the City of Santa Monica regarding SRO housing in the Downtown area.

WS Communities has more than 20 developments planned or under construction in Santa Monica, in addition to projects in the City of Los Angeles - most notably a 16-story apartment tower now rising on Wilshire Boulevard.