A proposed mixed-use development from WS Communities is back for its third presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board.

The project, slated to replace a parking lot at 1338 5th Street, calls for the construction of a six-story edifice containing 120 apartments - including 19 affordable units - above 2,703 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and parking for 116 vehicles.  The apartments would be split between 94 single-room occupancy units and 26 one-, two-, and three-bedroom dwellings.

KFA Architecture's latest design tweaks for the development come as the result of comments provided by the Architectural Review Board at a hearing on June 15.  The latest design iteration is described as consisting of two main building forms with balconies used to create a weaving pattern.  The revised plan also includes different exterior finishes and simplified geometry at the building's roof line.

As part of a settlement agreement between the City of Santa Monica and WS Communities, the 1338 5th Street development - along with several other Downtown projects - has been granted expedited processing.

According to a staff report, the project's final determination date is set for August 1, and any appeal of that decision must be scheduled for a hearing within 60 days.  A final determination following any appeal would be required within 30 days.

WS Communities is developing dozens of multifamily residential projects in Santa Monica, including a smaller mixed-use project slated for the opposite side of 5th Street.