A mid-rise residential complex is under development at 234 Pico Boulevard in Santa Monica, where a multi-level building designed around interior open space will introduce new housing and ground-level commercial uses along the Pico corridor. The project is being undertaken by Cypress Equity Investments, with KFA Architecture responsible for the building design.
Plans outline a mixed-use structure rising four and five stories, containing 186 residential units in studio, one-, and two-bedroom configurations. Approximately 11,000 square feet of retail space will occupy the ground floor, creating storefront frontage along Pico Boulevard.
216-234 Pico Boulevard Aerial Drawing via KFA Architecture
The development was approved through the use of State Density Bonus incentives, which permit additional residential capacity in exchange for the inclusion of 19 deed-restricted affordable apartments within the building.
216-234 Pico Boulevard View via KFA Architecture
Renderings depicts a stepped composition organized around internal courtyards and circulation passages. Residential levels incorporate projecting balconies and recessed upper floors, while variations in façade materials and massing help break the project into smaller visual segments across the block-length site.
216-234 Pico Boulevard Site via Google Maps
Parking for residents and visitors will be provided in a 346-space garage located beneath the residential floors, with portions of the structure extending below grade. Plans also reference bicycle parking and rooftop open-space areas integrated into the upper portions of the building.
216-234 Pico Boulevard Rendering via KFA Architecture
The project occupies the long-vacant property along Pico Boulevard and represents one of several recent mixed-use developments planned along the corridor as Santa Monica continues to add new housing alongside neighborhood-serving commercial space.
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The architectural integration of the courtyards at 234 Pico looks like a great way to handle density, but I’m curious about the retail portion—has there been any official word on whether they are prioritizing local businesses or if it’s open to larger chains? I was trying to find a directory of planned tenants or similar mixed-use benchmarks on https://guiadebetnacionalbrasil.com/ to see how these projects impact neighborhood foot traffic, but I can’t seem to get the page to load properly. Does anyone know if the developer has released a formal leasing plan yet?