Just last month, the Dallas-based Lincoln Property Company submitted an application to the City of Santa Monica to redevelop their site at 1640 5th Street. The proposal includes the construction of an eight story building that will incorporate 132-unit apartments, with a mix of studio, one, two, and three bedroom apartments, along with subterranean parking for 132 vehicles.
Designed by KFA Architecture as a contemporary podium-type building, it will feature premium amenities including a courtyard and a rooftop pool deck.
Known as the "comma building" for the simple reason that when seen from above it resembles the popular punctuation mark, it’s located adjacent to Expo terminus station, opposite the Big Blue Bus facilities yard and just around the corner from SAMOSHEL, the interim housing support program operated by People Concern.
In October of last year, all seven councilmembers voted to allow negotiations to begin with AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. and the Lincoln Property Company to develop the site. A key feature of the project is the inclusion of 15 affordable housing units made possible by density bonus incentives, which will be reserved at moderate, low, and very low-income levels. As such, this will allow a larger structure than is otherwise permitted by standard zoning rules.
According to The Registry, "The architectural elements reflect a modern, contemporary design. The building features clean lines and a tiered layout, with distinct balconies extending from many of the units. The façade is a mix of light-colored materials, including a sleek combination of metal cladding and large glass windows, giving the structure an airy, open feel. The building’s verticality is emphasized by the stacked appearance of the balconies, which protrude outward at varying depths, creating visual interest and texture."
Interestingly, judging by the conceptual artwork from Architecture, it looks like the building is in fact going to retain its unique punctuation-themed profile and probably won’t be razed, just heavily modified.
"The building’s corner orientation showcases a prominent section with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide ample natural light to the apartments. Additionally, the recessed portions of the structure allow for shaded outdoor spaces. The design appears to focus on both functionality and aesthetics, as the balconies enhance the exterior design and offer residents private outdoor space," says The Registry on its site.
Quite what the timescale is on this project is not yet know, but this site was the former base of the Santa Monica Daily Press and the staff here have witnessed all manner of events that will need to be addressed, including an attempt by a homeless person to set fire to the building, a break in and a tourist who had his windshield smashed by homeless man as his car exited the 10 freeway, which is next to the site.
The old Comma Building was also one of the dwindling number of locations that featured a beautiful, building-sized painting by one of the area's most talented street artists, Julian Park, also known as Bumblebeelovesyou. Other sites include the Lokl Haus Coffee Shop & Eatery at 2627 Santa Monica Blvd and Mendocino Farms at 631 Wilshire Blvd.
scott.snowden@smdp.com
