A new addition to Santa Monica’s downtown core is on the horizon as nonprofit developer EAH Housing has submitted plans for a six-story, mixed-use project at 1318 Fourth Street. The proposal, set for review by the Architectural Review Board, aims to transform a vacant city-owned lot—formerly the site of Public Parking Structure 3—into a 100 percent affordable housing development with 122 residential units and an approximately 20,000-square-foot grocery market on the ground floor.
According to city records, the 75-foot, 4-inch-tall building will include two levels of subterranean parking, providing both residential and commercial spaces. The proposal is exempt from the Downtown Community Plan and Zoning Ordinance due to its affordable housing designation, while the Bayside Conservation Zoning District location ensures proximity to the Third Street Promenade, a major pedestrian and retail hub.
The architectural plans feature a modern façade, integrating alternating cement panels and aluminum screens to create a sleek, urban aesthetic. The Fourth Street frontage includes carved-out communal spaces and an interior courtyard, enhancing both residential engagement and public interaction. The building’s ground floor is recessed, aligning with the adjacent retail store’s height and incorporating large glass sections to promote street-level transparency. The proposed landscaping integrates five Chinese flame trees, three olive trees, and various shrubs, with additional Palo Verde trees, ferns, and succulents accenting light courts and terraces. These elements, combined with natural lighting strategies and passive ventilation, reflect a sustainable and resident-friendly design approach.
Project documentation shows that the building’s primary residential entrance is located at the northeast corner, leading to a lobby area, while the grocery market entrance is positioned along Fourth Street. Additional ground-floor elements include managers’ offices, bicycle parking, a refuse area, and a loading zone, with service areas placed at the alley-facing rear of the property to minimize street-level congestion. Designed with resident well-being in mind, the second floor serves as the central community hub, featuring a 3,100-square-foot main courtyard equipped with a children’s playground and outdoor seating. An additional open space facing Fourth Street is situated near the community room and social services offices, offering natural light and passive ventilation.
According to city records, supportive housing tenants will have access to case management services provided by The People Concern, with dedicated office space on-site. Upper floors include outdoor patios and landscaped terraces, integrating natural elements into the urban environment. The sixth floor features a west-facing terrace overlooking the alley, adding variation to the overall massing. Situated between Arizona Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, the development features direct access to public transit, retail, and community services.
With city approval pending, EAH Housing continues to expand its mission of delivering high-quality, affordable housing solutions across California. According to its website, the mission of EAH Housing is to expand the range of opportunities for all by developing, managing, and promoting quality affordable housing and thriving communities.
