A new mixed-use project near the bustling Downtown Santa Monica Station is set to transform the area with the addition of a modern, eight-story apartment complex. In September, Lincoln Property Company submitted an application to the City of Santa Monica to redevelop its “comma building” at 1640 5th Street. The proposal includes the construction of a 132-unit apartment building, with a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with subterranean parking for 132 vehicles.
Designed by KFA Architecture, the building will feature contemporary architectural elements and include premium amenities, such as a courtyard and a rooftop pool deck, catering to future residents’ lifestyle needs, according to a report in Urbanize. The project aims to enhance the appeal of the already vibrant neighborhood surrounding the E Line’s western terminus.
A key feature of the development is the inclusion of 15 affordable housing units. These units will be reserved at moderate, low, and very low-income levels, made possible by density bonus incentives. This allows the project to exceed standard zoning restrictions in exchange for providing more affordable housing options within Santa Monica’s competitive rental market.
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.
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.
At street level, the building includes a mix of windows, entry points, and landscaping elements that soften the transition between the structure and the surrounding environment. Overall, the architectural style is sleek and modern, with an emphasis on maximizing natural light and outdoor access for residents.
The vision for 1640 5th Street is part of a broader development plan that could significantly reshape the area. This project, together with adjacent parcels, could ultimately contribute to a larger development that would yield up to 570 apartment units, including around 140 affordable units. AMCAL is the developer behind the expanded scheme, which promises to boost housing options near the Downtown Santa Monica Station.
The 1640 5th Street project is part of a broader wave of growth in the neighborhood, following other large-scale developments near the E Line station. One such project is a 280-unit apartment complex currently under construction on the former site of a Vons supermarket on Lincoln Boulevard. These developments collectively reflect Santa Monica’s ongoing efforts to address the region’s housing shortage while enhancing the city’s urban landscape.
