In Santa Monica, steps forward are being taken in the realm of affordable housing with plans in motion to develop two city-owned parking lots on Wilshire Boulevard. According to information from Santa Monica's official website, the revised proposals from Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) now include a relocation of the supportive housing apartments and an increase in the size of the smallest units. These developments come as part of the city's Housing Element and include construction start dates in late 2025 and 2026, respectively.
Specifically, the plans for the site at 1217 Euclid St. target families, with 48 family apartments, half of which will have multiple bedrooms suitable for families. In addition to residential space, there will be 40 parking spaces for residents. On a similar stride, the development at 1211-1217 14th St. aims to house seniors, offering 82 apartments catered to those 55 or older, which includes 40 supportive housing units for those at risk of homelessness, as detailed by the City of Santa Monica. This site, too, will feature 42 parking spaces for residents. Despite the community's concerns over the loss of public parking, steps are allegedly being taken to look into this matter.
The selection process for these apartments will utilize waitlists from the Below Market Housing program and the Santa Monica Housing Authority for the supportive housing portion. Such detailed planning efforts reflect the City's commitment to addressing the complex issue of homelessness, both for families and older adults in need of stable housing. As per the official announcement, the finalized proposal alongside the development agreement is set to be presented to the City Council on December 17 for approval.
For those keen on further details or any possible changes to the timeline, the city encourages visiting the development website. Keeping residents informed, updates including designs will also be discussed in future meetings with Santa Monica's Architectural Review Board, with public agendas accessible through the city's website.
