Addressing Homelessness: Affordable and permanent supportive housing moves forward at city-owned site
April 11, 2024 1:18 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (April 11, 2024) — The City Council Tuesday took another step forward in bringing more than 120 affordable apartments, including 50 with supportive services, to the city-owned site on 4th Street.
With Tuesday’s action, the council approved a design concept for the development that includes a mix of studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments, along with ground floor retail and residential and commercial parking spaces. Per council direction, staff will be exploring the feasibility of adding an additional floor of apartments and will return to council for final approval of a ground lease and a development and disposition agreement.
The development of the site into affordable housing is part of the approved Housing Element and furthers the city’s strategic priority of Addressing Homelessness. It is set to serve individuals and families earning anywhere from 30 to 80 percent of the Area Median Income as well as people experiencing homelessness.
Project developer EAH conducted robust community outreach as part of the design review process and incorporated feedback from neighboring residents and businesses.
“Moving forward in bringing affordable and permanent supportive housing to city-owned land is a key step in our strategy to fulfill our Housing Element requirements,” Mayor Phil Brock said. “I look forward to the next steps and ultimately seeing families move into these new homes and thrive.”
The development was made possible by $2 million secured by Rep. Lieu as part of the 2022 House Appropriations Bill, along with various state sources. In addition to advancing the city’s key strategic priority of Addressing Homelessness, this development also furthers the priority of Justice, Equity & Diversity by providing housing opportunities where all people can thrive.
Project background
In 2019, the City Council authorized a competitive selection process for development of a 100 percent affordable housing development that would include a significant component of supportive housing at 1318 4th Street.
The parking structure at this location had reached the end of its useful life and was not viable as a long-term parking structure. Nearby Parking Structure 6, completed in 2013, more than replaced the number of parking spaces available at this location.
The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the process and at its March 23, 2021, meeting, Council designated the site as “exempt surplus land,” thus reserving it for a 100 percent affordable housing development, in accordance with the California Surplus Land Act.
Demolition was approved by the Coastal Commission at its meeting on May 13, 2021, and the City Council approved to move forward with a contract for demolition on July 13, 2021.
For more information, see the staff report, or view the council meeting here.
Media Contact
Tati Simonian
Public Information Officer
Tati.Simonian@santamonica.gov