The Village at Santa Monica transforms a three-acre site into a vibrant mixed-market residential community with retail, recreation, and public gathering spaces. The project includes 324 housing units, divided evenly between market-rate and affordable homes, supported by three levels of below-grade parking, extensive retail frontage, and rooftop pools and fitness decks.

The development was the first residential project built on Ocean Avenue in over two decades and served as a cornerstone for the city’s downtown revitalization. With LEED® Gold and Silver certifications across multiple structures, the project reflects Pankow’s dedication to sustainability and long-term operational performance. A collaborative planning process and close coordination with City of Santa Monica stakeholders ensured that the design delivered both public benefit and private value.

Built for Community and Connection

The Village at Santa Monica stands as a model of design excellence through its ability to merge urban density, livability, and community identity. The project redefined the Santa Monica Civic Center, establishing a new residential and retail district that reflects the city’s progressive spirit and coastal heritage.

Delivered by Pankow Buiders for Related Companies, the three-parcel, five-structure campus includes 324 mixed-income apartments, 20,000 SF of ground-floor retail and restaurant space, and a three-level below-grade parking garage. The design, led by KTGY Group, Inc. and LARGE Architecture, responds to the city’s vibrant yet compact urban fabric with distinct but complementary buildings that create a dynamic pedestrian rhythm along Ocean Avenue.

At its core, the Village is organized around a central walk street, a landscaped pedestrian spine that connects Main Street to Ocean Avenue. Framed by local shops, open-air cafés, and public plazas, this corridor transforms the once-static Civic Center district into an active, walkable environment. A floating glass bridge and open sightlines foster visual connection between buildings while reinforcing a sense of transparency and flow .

The project’s sustainability achievements are equally significant. Two of the primary residential structures—The Waverly and The Seychelle—achieved LEED® Silver certification, while the affordable component, The Belamar, achieved LEED® Gold. Design features include solar photovoltaic arrays powering common areas, energy-efficient lighting, and extensive water conservation systems that support Santa Monica’s sustainability goals.

Equally important was the project’s community engagement process, which established a new precedent for collaborative development in the city. Through ongoing dialogue with City officials, trade partners, and local residents, Pankow balanced architectural ambition with civic sensitivity, ensuring that the project harmonized with Santa Monica’s scale, character, and identity.

Today, The Village at Santa Monica anchors the Civic Center’s revitalization, linking housing, retail, and public amenities into a cohesive whole. It exemplifies Pankow’s commitment to constructing spaces that strengthen communities through excellence, sustainability, and connection.