A groundbreaking ceremony will be held this Friday for a new permanent Santa Monica supportive housing development called Step Up On Colorado.
The project at 520 Colorado Avenue is the second joint venture between Step Up On Second and Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC).
HCHC executive director Bill Harris said the two organizations were delighted to be co-developing the new building with 34 units for Santa Monica’s most vulnerable neighbors.
“Step Up on Colorado combines HCHC’s 25-year record of developing award-winning, service-enriched affordable housing with Step-Up’s 30 years of providing recovery services for individuals experiencing mental health issues,” Harris said.
Step Up On Second chief executive officer Tod Lipka said Step Up followed the “Housing First” model.
He said the model moved an individual immediately from the streets or homeless shelters into the stability of their own apartment as the first and primary need.
“Other important issues can and will be addressed once housing is obtained,” Lipka said.
Design of this state-of-the-art residence is by Santa Monica architecture firm Killefer Flammang Architects (KFA), which has experience in design for affordable, special needs housing.
KFA senior associate Lise Bornstein said the design incorporated a green approach that would result in a LEED Silver certification.
“The design strategy provides residents a variety of spaces to enjoy alone or in small groups, while still being part of the larger community,” Bornstein said. “Materials were chosen not only for durability but also for sustainability and low environmental impact. The drought tolerant landscaping plan was designed by Carter Romanek Landscape Architects.”
Bornstein said the property would be built by Shangri-La Construction.
The site for the new housing is opposite the upcoming Expo line, which is within easy walking distance of employment opportunities and services in Santa Monica for residents.
Funding for the project was provided by the City of Santa Monica, the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission, the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, Wells Fargo Bank, and Raymond James Housing Opportunities Fund.
