The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at least 1,880 affordable units on public land
The City of Santa Monica is offering three surplus properties to developers for potential affordable housing projects, officials announced in a notice. The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at least 1,880 affordable units on public land, as outlined in the 2021-2029 Housing Element Update.
The largest site, the 5.6-acre Bergamot Station Arts Center at 2525 Michigan Avenue, currently hosts 30 small businesses, including art galleries and a restaurant, with leases extending to 2027. Developers are tasked with providing at least 707 affordable residences for renters earning up to 80% of the area median income (AMI), with options for market-rate or moderate-income housing if explained. Proposals should also include 15% artist affordable housing and prioritize cultural uses, with a 55-year ground lease plus two 22-year extensions possible.
The 2.57-acre site at 1333 4th Street and 1324 5th Street, featuring Bank of America and Chase Bank, targets 362 affordable units, with flexibility for commercial uses like a hotel or community amenities such as an ice skating rink. Joint proposals with the nearby Parking Structure 1 site may be considered. According to Urbanize LA, this location was previously slated for an OMA-designed mixed-use complex.
The 0.75-acre Parking Structure 1 at 1234 4th Street, a seismically vulnerable garage, invites varied proposals, including affordable housing or retrofitting, with no strict affordable housing mandate. All developers must handle permits, demolition, and environmental clearances.
Interested parties have until August 29, 2025, to submit letters of interest, with priority given to projects offering at least 25% affordable units, per city guidelines.
