Plans are underway to replace a low-rise office complex at 1655 26th Street in Santa Monica with a new eight-story apartment building. Developer 1655 Property LLC has submitted an application to demolish the existing offices, paving the way for the construction of 401 apartments. This project is poised to enhance the housing availability in the area significantly.
The proposed development also includes approximately 2,070 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, a rooftop deck, and parking for around 419 vehicles. Notably, the plans reserve 41 units for affordable housing, utilizing density-bonus incentives to support moderate-, low-, and very-low-income households.
Project Overview and Design Features
Details of the project have been outlined in documents submitted to the City of Santa Monica. The construction will comprise a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, alongside retail spaces on the ground floor. The Santa Monica Municipal Code provides the framework for density-bonus incentives that allow developers to exceed standard zoning limits in exchange for providing affordable housing options.
The architectural design, led by AC Martin, features a contemporary podium-style building that integrates a central courtyard and a rooftop deck. The exterior will showcase a blend of stucco, brick veneer, and metal cladding, with parking and amenities situated beneath the main structure. Renderings published by Urbanize Los Angeles highlight how the design aligns with similar multifamily projects proposed in the Bergamot/26th Street corridor.
Next Steps in the Approval Process
As the proposal progresses, it will undergo a thorough review by Santa Monica’s planning staff. Following this assessment, public hearings will be scheduled, allowing residents and community organizations to voice their opinions regarding the project’s scale, design, and parking provisions. These discussions often touch on critical issues that arise in local land-use debates.
If the project receives approval, it will contribute to a growing trend of transforming office spaces into residential units in the vicinity of the Water Garden. Additionally, there is another project, also designed by AC Martin, in the works for 330 apartments at 1633 26th Street, further indicating a shift in the area’s development landscape.
For those interested in the project’s progress, the City of Santa Monica planning calendar will provide updates on hearing dates and additional documentation as the review process unfolds.
