Rendering: Michael W. Folonis Architects
Following a series of design improvements that spanned nearly two years, 601 Colorado Avenue has been given the green light by the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board.
The mixed-use project by WS Communities will feature ground-floor commercial and café space, retail and residential courtyards, 140 market-rate apartments, resident amenities and three levels of subterranean parking.
Rendering: Michael W. Folonis Architects
601 Colorado Avenue had last been reviewed six months ago when the board proposed enlivening the façade at the northern elevation, zhuzh-ing up the landscape design and providing an additional rooftop amenity space. All three issues were addressed during a meeting on August 17th, prompting the recommended approval of the application.
Rendering: Michael W. Folonis Architects
Designed by Michael W. Folonis Architects, the eight-story development will replace two commercial buildings at the corner of 6th Street and Colorado Avenue near the Expo Line’s Downtown Santa Monica Station. A mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units will be available to lessees.
Rendering: Michael W. Folonis Architects
The complex will boast four structures that are linked together by pedestrian bridges and open outdoor spaces. The ground-level courtyard will be publicly accessible, featuring potential café seating, retail spill-out space, a linear water feature, public seating area, and landscaping inspired by the natural coastal bluffs of Santa Monica.
Rendering: Michael W. Folonis Architects
A podium-level courtyard for resident use will tout a fire pit area, children’s play zone and a seating court with a water feature. There will also be two lobbies — one off Colorado and the other off 6th Street — and two roof decks outfitted with outdoor kitchens, dining tables, green walls, a fire pit lounge, vegetable garden, built-in benches and ample plant life.
To meet the City of Santa Monica’s affordable housing requirements, a 35-unit affordable housing development will be constructed offsite by WS Communities at 1238 7th Street, complete with ground-floor commercial space and bicycle parking.
Rendering: Michael W. Folonis Architects
Future residents of 601 Colorado Avenue will live within steps of the Metro Expo Line, a Vons supermarket, numerous restaurants, the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica State Beach. The project application will now advance to the Planning Commission for final approval.
