Affordable housing in Santa Monica is among the rarest of commodities, which makes the proposed development of a 24-story tower at 601 Colorado Avenue a potential boon to the high-rise averse city.
Designed by Ottinger Architects, the tower would include 264 residential units with 4,009 square feet of commercial space at the structure’s base. According to a plan submitted to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board, the project would contain 40 apartments reserved for very low to moderate income households.
Traditionally, most building heights in Santa Monica are capped at 130 feet. The proposed tower’s unprecedented height hinges on a settlement agreement that the City of Santa Monica made with NMS Properties, the former developer of the parcel, which filed a lawsuit under the relatively untested Builder’s Remedy state law. Although the property has since been acquired by Madison Realty Capital, the 2023 settlement agreement is currently still in effect.
Some of the relatively spacious units, which range in size from 445 square feet for a studio to 1,029 square feet for a two bedroom, would have views both of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby Metro E line western terminus. A subterranean parking garage would provide 93 parking stalls, and a 4,000 square foot rooftop pool deck would also include a spa.
When reached for comment, Architect Jesse Ottinger, who is president of Ottinger Architects, said that “we’re honored to be designing a building that not only enriches the city’s skyline but also brings vital housing options within a short walk of the downtown expo station. With breathtaking views and generous outdoor spaces, this project was envisioned to foster a vibrant and connected living experience in the heart of Santa Monica.”
The 601 Colorado proposal comes after a so-called “progressive sweep” in the November 2024 elections for Santa Monica City Council. The newly elected Democratic Slate of council members hold a 6-1 majority, making it possible that development projects that prioritize density and add affordable housing may have an easier path to approval than in years past.
