April 12, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Considers Eight-Story Builder’s Remedy Project on 20th Street

The Proposed Project Will Feature 50 Residential Units, Including 10 Affordable Units, Alongside a 40-Room Hotel and Ground-Floor Retail Space

An eight-story mixed-use building at 1420 20th Street is under review by the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board as part of a Builder’s Remedy project, which allows for streamlined approvals of certain developments that include affordable housing.

According to a staff report presented to the board, the proposed project by DIICO Properties of Beverly Hills will feature 50 residential units, including 10 deed-restricted affordable units, alongside a 40-room hotel and 1,163 square feet of ground-floor retail space. Additionally, the design includes a rooftop amenity space and 62 subterranean parking spaces. Ottinger Architects, tasked with the design, have planned a U-shaped structure with a façade incorporating metal screens and projecting balconies.

The Builder’s Remedy provision is part of California’s Housing Accountability Act and applies when a city’s housing element is not in compliance with state law. This provision prevents cities from denying projects that reserve at least 20% of units for lower-income households unless strict criteria are met. Santa Monica fell into this category in 2022, prompting a surge of applications for Builder’s Remedy projects.

“This project aligns with state law requirements by including affordable housing units while also introducing a mixed-use component with retail and hospitality elements,” the staff report states.

Renderings revealed during the board presentation showcase a design that balances the modern height of the building with its surrounding context. “The building is organized around a ground floor courtyard with a southern orientation toward existing two-story residential development,” the staff report details. “The 20th Street façade features a variety of projecting balconies, some held within a grid and others fully screened, creating a varied volumetric reading.”

The development replaces an existing 10-unit, one-story apartment complex built in 1949. The site, which spans 15,000 square feet in the R2 zoning district, is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reviews under Section 15061(b)(3), as determined by the city staff.

<>Related Posts

Film Review: Warfare

April 11, 2025

April 11, 2025

Warfare is the ugly truth about war. It is gut-wrenching, brilliant filmmaking about the brutal and sad lot of a...

County Offers Housing Vouchers to Wildfire Survivors

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Priority placement is being granted to those who lost their homes in the early 2025 wildfires Survivors of the January...

SMMUSD Appoints New Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

He succeeds longtime VAPA coordinator Tom Whaley, who is set to retire at the end of the school year The...

Film Review: The Amateur

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

FILM REVIEW THE AMATEURRated PG-13123 MinutesReleased April 11th The Amateur is a remarkably well-made film with a compelling plot line, stunning...

Cockroach Infestation Temporarily Closes Tonic Bar at Erewhon Santa Monica

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health temporarily shut down the tonic bar at Erewhon Market’s Santa Monica location...

(Video) Saijo, Culver City’s Newest Sushi Spot at 12473 Washington Boulevard

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Bluefin Toro Hosomaki and Salmon w with Ikura. Signature Hand Roll Blue Crab, Shrimp, Salmon Belly. Something Special Salmon Hosomaki...

Don’t Miss This Sunday’s Taco Pop-Up at Petit Grain Boulangerie

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

Petit Grain Boulangerie to Host a Preorder-Only Event on Sunday A special taco pop-up event will take place this Sunday...

Hal Frederick, Beloved Venice Restaurateur Who Helped Name Abbot Kinney Blvd., Dies at 91

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

In 1987, he opened Hal’s Bar & Grill on what was then still called West Washington Boulevard—a street Frederick helped rename Hal...

Santa Monica Councilmember Clarifies Position on Fairview Library Amid Public Outcry

April 10, 2025

April 10, 2025

The statement came during a packed City Council meeting April 8, where dozens of residents—many holding signs reading “Save the...

Hop Into These Luxe Easter Brunches and Teas Around West Los Angeles

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Easter Weekend Plans? These Spots Are Serving Up Something Special With spring’s biggest holiday, Easter, approaching, we thought it was...

Palisades Recovery Coalition to Present Rebuilding Draft Plan

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Described as a “structured, methodical approach” to post-disaster recovery, the plan aims to streamline materials management, workforce deployment, and legislative...

Marina del Rey Marks 60 Years with Harbor Tours, Nostalgic Parties, and Deals Around Town

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Around town, restaurants and businesses are marking the milestone with promotions tied to the year of the marina’s dedication Marina...

Caruso to Address Palisades Residents in Upcoming Webinar on Rebuilding Efforts

April 9, 2025

April 9, 2025

Caruso has remained vocal in recent months about the slow pace of recovery in the region and has criticized city...

Man Attempts to Steal Route 66 Sign, No Arrest Made

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

Police said the man left the area without further incident A man was detained Sunday afternoon after police found him...

Santa Monica Fire Department Adds First K-9 Team Member to Support Staff Wellness

April 8, 2025

April 8, 2025

Meet Roger, the Labrador Trained to Bring Comfort to Firefighters and the Community The Santa Monica Fire Department this week...