A presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board unveils plans for a new affordable housing development which would consolidate the inclusionary housing requirements of a trio of new developments from Cypress Equity Investments.
The proposed project, slated to replace a surface parking lot at 1215 19th Street, is being led by the Foundation for Affordable Housing. Plans call for the construction of a six-story building featuring a total of 34 apartments - all of which would be rented at below market rates to eligible households.
View looking east at 1215 19th StreetTighe Architecture
Patrick Tighe Architecture is designing the contemporary podium-type building, which would be clad in a familiar mix of stucco, concrete, and metal panels.
"The project is composed of two primary volumes facing the street: one floating above a glass and stucco podium and a stair tower grounding the building with a strong vertical element, separated by recessed balconies," describes a staff report to the Architectural Review Board. "A grid of projecting balconies on the south elevation uses alternating materials to create visual interest and relate to the front elevation. The alley and north elevations are proposed entirely of stucco a much more subdued interpretation of the front elevation’s concept. The Board may wish to consider if there the form and materiality of the south and north elevation should have a stronger connection to the façade."
Aerial view of rooftop deck at 1215 19th StreetTighe Architecture
Last year, a flurry of applications using the previously little-known "Builder's Remedy" brought plans for more than 4,000 new homes to the City of Santa Monica. The site at 1215 19th Street was among those applications, and per the staff report, benefits from state legislation permitting an extra three stories in height beyond the limits of the zoning code, as well as exemptions from parking requirements and density limits.
The project is set to serve as the receiver site for the affordable housing required in Cypress Equity's neighboring mixed-use project at 1902 Wilshire Boulevard, which will include 71 apartments above ground-floor commercial space. The developer is behind plans for numerous projects across the City of Santa Monica.
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Looking for affordable housing? Visit lahousing.lacity.org/aahr and housing.lacounty.gov
