Eight-Story Mixed-Use Building Takes Shape at 501 Broadway in Santa Monica

At the intersection of Broadway and 5th Street, an eight-story mixed-use building now occupies a prominent corner site in Downtown Santa Monica, introducing new housing above ground-floor retail. The project at 501 Broadway replaces a low-rise commercial site with a vertically organized development that combines housing, retail activity, and a layered architectural expression shaped by its urban setting.

Ground-floor commercial space forms the base of the structure, with residential floors stacked above and vehicle parking accommodated below grade, for a total of 89 apartments. Residential offerings include a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, reflecting a range of unit types within a compact footprint. The development also includes deed-restricted units, incorporating below-market housing within the broader residential program.

Site at 501 Broadway via Michael W. Folonis Architects

Massing is organized to emphasize the corner condition, where projecting balconies, recessed volumes, and continuous horizontal lines establish a strong visual edge along both street frontages. The lower levels are set back and partially opened, creating a more transparent base that supports pedestrian activity while visually lifting the residential floors above. Upper levels incorporate private balconies and shared outdoor areas, extending living space outward and introducing depth across the facade. Interior features align with a contemporary residential standard, with units described as including white oak cabinetry, integrated appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, and smart home elements such as programmable thermostats and keyless entry systems. These details position the building within a higher-end rental market while maintaining a mixed-income framework.

The project was designed through a collaboration between KFA Architecture and Michael W. Folonis Architects, resulting in a contemporary composition that prioritizes light, ventilation, and outdoor access. Renderings indicate a rooftop amenity deck and multiple elevated open spaces distributed throughout the structure, contributing to a layered arrangement of communal and private environments.

501 Broadway View via Michael W. Folonis Architects

At street level, retail frontage wraps portions of the site, reinforcing the pedestrian character of the surrounding district and linking the project to nearby commercial corridors. The location sits within walking distance of major downtown destinations, contributing to its role as both a residential and urban infill development.

Additional information about the project and residential offerings is available through the official property website.

As built, the project introduces a mid-rise residential form that responds directly to its corner site, combining density, ground-floor activation, and contemporary design into a single development that reshapes a visible portion of Downtown Santa Monica.

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