A pending staff presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board unveils a new look for a proposed mixed-use development from WS Communities.
The project, slated for a currently vacant property at 1437 5th Street, calls for the construction of an eight-story edifice featuring 46 single-room occupancy apartments, 17 traditional apartments, and 1,215 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. No parking is proposed for the development.
KFA Architecture is designing the contemporary podium-type building, which will include two amenity rooms and a rooftop deck.
This is the project's second presentation before the Architectural Review Board, following a preliminary review held in December 2019. Board members were critical of the prior iteration, prompting a full redesign.
A staff report recommends that the Board should provide feedback on the design and offer its approval, with conditions for further review as needed.
The 1437 5th Street development is one of a handful of projects from WS Communities which will receive expedited processing as the result of a settlement agreement between the developer and City of Santa Monica regarding this and other planned buildings with SRO apartments.
WS Communities is planning two additional housing projects on adjoining properties, and is now building a 100-unit apartment building at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Colorado Avenue.
