Terry Pristin examines two pivotal projects currently under construction in Santa Monica that are poised to reconnect the city's historic civic center to the vibrant, walkable beachfront community.
Comprised of such historic gems as the white “Deco Moderne” City Hall (1939) and the Welton Beckett-designed Civic Auditorium (1958), which was once home to the Academy Awards, Santa Monica's civic center has for years been divided from the city's popular promenade and downtown by the Santa Monica Freeway and "a dreary expanse of parking lots."
"Finally, after many years of workshops and hearings, significant steps are being taken to better integrate this section with downtown," writes Prinstin. "Two major construction projects are well under way, including the first new residential development on Ocean Avenue in many years."
Utilizing land bought by the city from the RAND Corporation in 2000, "the Related Companies and its partners are building a $350 million residential complex that will include 158 condominiums, 160 income-restricted rental apartments and 20,000 square feet of retail space." Adjacent to the Village at Santa Monica, "the city has molded six flat acres of parking lots into a $47 million publicly financed park with hills and fountains as well as two steel-ribbed shell-shaped observation decks for gazing at the ocean and the Santa Monica Pier." The park was designed by "it" firm of the moment, James Corner Field Operations
With the completion of a new light-rail line from downtown Los Angeles expected in 2015, local residents won't be the only ones rediscovering the city's civic center.
FULL STORY: Long Isolated Behind a Freeway, Santa Monica’s Civic Center Rejoins Its City
New Santa Monica Park a Victory for 'Farsighted Urban Planning'
While Tongva Park's design may not be as bold as what James Corner has demonstrated on other projects or initially envisioned here, we should celebrate its planning, execution, and political sophistication, says Christopher Hawthorne.
Expo Line Between L.A. and Santa Monica Hits 2030 Ridership Projections
Finally, good news regarding public transit ridership in Los Angeles, where the Expo Line connection to Santa Monica has very quickly outpaced its projections.
Santa Monica Proposing Balanced Approach With Downtown Plan
After residents soundly defeated the anti-growth Measure LV in November, city officials are still trying to propose a plan that addresses the traffic and livability concerns that led to the initiative being placed on the ballot.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions