A new seven-story affordable apartment building is climbing out of the ground a short stroll from Santa Monica's E Line. The 20th Street Apartments, a joint venture between Venice Community Housing and the Community Corporation of Santa Monica, will bring 78 one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom homes plus on-site services, with developers aiming for residents to move in by mid‑2027. The project is billed as both supportive housing and a transit‑oriented hub for the west side.
Project basics
According to Venice Community Housing, the building will be 100% affordable, with 78 units in total. Roughly half of the homes are reserved for people who were experiencing homelessness at the time they move in, while the rest will serve households earning about 30–60% of area median income. The nonprofit also notes that residents will have access to case management along with employment, education and health supports without leaving the property.
Design and amenities
The design comes from Atelier Cory Henry, with KFA Architecture listed as architect of record. Planned perks include a rooftop community garden, community rooms, laundry facilities and outdoor play areas, as reported by Urbanize LA. The contractor's project page lists 26 underground parking spaces, 152 bicycle parking spots and two on‑site manager units, and shows the development as currently under construction.
Funding and timeline
The California Department of Housing & Community Development awarded $14,752,796 to the project through the National Housing Trust Fund, according to the agency's award log. Developers held a formal groundbreaking on April 16, 2025, and report that construction is on track for completion and lease‑up in mid‑2027, as detailed by Venice Community Housing.
Where this fits
Local officials are framing the project as part of Santa Monica's push to meet its Housing Element goals while keeping the west side accessible to a range of incomes. "Communities like the 20th Street Apartments are crucial to our city's ability to maintain economic diversity," Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis said, as reported by Urbanize LA. Supporters also highlight the site's proximity to the 17th Street/SMC Expo Line stop, a short walk or bike ride away, as a key part of its transit‑oriented design.
For those tracking when and where units become available, the City of Santa Monica posts Below Market Housing and Section 8 waitlist information on its housing page. The city closed open Section 8 waitlists on April 21, 2025. For the latest details on current waitlists and eligibility, check the Santa Monica Housing Office through the City of Santa Monica.
