ValueRock Realty Proposes 138-Unit Mixed-Use Project in Santa Monica

A new mixed-use development is slated for 1670 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica, where ValueRock Realty plans to replace the landmark Mel's Drive-In. The proposed eight-story building will feature 138 studio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments, alongside 5,667 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. Semi-subterranean parking for 123 vehicles is also included in the plans.

To facilitate the larger building size, ValueRock Realty is requesting density bonus incentives and waivers from certain land use regulations. In exchange for these entitlements, 14 of the new apartments will be designated for very low-, low-, and moderate-income households. Ottinger Architects is responsible for the design, which incorporates a modern podium style with a rooftop deck and a central courtyard.

This project continues a trend of mixed-use developments along Lincoln Boulevard, with a similar building recently completed nearby at 1650 Lincoln Boulevard. The development signifies the ongoing transformation of the corridor, adding much-needed housing and commercial options to the Santa Monica market, leveraging state-level density bonus provisions.