At the corner of 5th Street and Broadway in Downtown Santa Monica, the steel frame of a mixed-use apartment complex from Witkoff and New Valley is now taking shape.  Soon, a similar project from a prolific local developer could replace a commercial building across the street.

A November staff report to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board offers a look at photorealistic renderings of 501 Broadway, the latest multifamily residential development from WS Communities.  The project, slated for the northeast corner of 5th and Broadway, calls for the construction of an eight-story building featuring 94 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments - including 19 deed-restricted affordable units - with 7,260 square feet of ground-floor retail space and subterranean parking for 51 vehicles.

Michael W. Folonis Architects is designing 501 Broadway, which has undergone several revisions since its initial presentation to the Board in Summer 2019.  The current iteration of the project is described by the staff report as featuring “a series of strong vertical forms," lifted above a three-story void at the intersection of 5th and Broadway.

In addition to a publicly-accessible plaza at ground level, the project would also include private amenities for residents such as a rooftop deck and a central courtyard.

The staff report described the design as being consistent with the criteria of Santa Monica's Downtown Community Plan, and recommended approval.

In addition to the neighboring development from Witkoff and New Valley, WS Communities is planning a string of new apartment buildings along the two-block stretch of 5th Street between Broadway and Arizona Avenue.  The developer has more than 20 projects in the works in Santa Monica.