The Laurel Opens in Santa Monica, Providing Housing for the Formerly Homeless

Designed by KFA  Architecture, the Laurel Features Wood-Frame Construction and Rises Four Stories

The city of Santa Monica has welcomed residents to The Laurel, a city-funded Permanent Supportive Housing development that offers 57 apartments to individuals who were formerly experiencing homelessness. 

Many of the new occupants at The Laurel had been living outdoors in Santa Monica for years, known to and connected with the housed community members, as stated in a City blog post. Others were on the verge of homelessness before securing their new apartments.

“Without The Laurel, these 57 individuals would still be living on our streets or in short-term shelters not suitable for long-term residency,” a city official stated.

The Laurel, located just south of the 10 Freeway in Santa Monica’s Pico neighborhood, is a project developed by EAH Housing. The complex, at 1413 Michigan Avenue, stands on the former site of Santa Monica Nikkei Hall. 

The project includes a total of 58 residential units, with 57 apartments reserved for low-income formerly homeless renters and one manager’s unit. These studio apartments are set aside for rent at levels considered affordable to households earning between 30 and 50 percent of the Santa Monica area median income, as per a deal arranged by the city in 2020, Urbanize LA reported in April. 

Designed by KFA Architecture, The Laurel features wood-frame construction and rises four stories. The building’s C-shaped footprint allows for a ground-level courtyard, complemented by a second-floor patio, a third-floor community deck, and 12 parking spaces at street level. 

Urbanize LA reported that EAH Housing preserved several elements of the former Nikkei Hall, including the community center, original windows, entry porch, and woodwork. Additionally, the property’s Japanese garden is being restored.

Related Posts

Santa Monica College President Honored as 2025 Woman of the Year for Assembly District 51

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Her tenure has focused on expanding access to education for underrepresented communities Santa Monica College Superintendent and President Dr. Kathryn...

Venice Art Crawl Opens Registration for March 20 Event

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Organizers encourage artists of all disciplines to sign up before the deadline Registration is now open for the upcoming Venice...

Palisades High School Band to Perform at Hollywood Bowl to Honor First Responders

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

Titled WE ❤️ LA, the event will feature a program spanning classical, jazz, and iconic film scores The Palisades Charter...

Sen. Ben Allen to be Honored at ‘Stairway of the Stars’ Concert in Santa Monica

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The concert, now in its 74th year, features nearly 900 students from elementary, middle, and high schools across the SMMUSD...

Acclaimed Santa Monica Restaurants by Chef Sean MacDonald Close After Two Years

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The two neighboring establishments on Santa Monica Boulevard quickly gained attention for their distinct culinary approaches Burgette and Bar Monette,...

(Video) See Inside the New Google Store in Santa Monica

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

The Shop Marks the Second Physical Retail Space on the West Coast For the Tech Giant The Shop Marks the...

(Video) Wildfire Attorney. Law Offices of Allen Farshi

March 13, 2025

March 13, 2025

How The Law Offices of Allen Farshi Can Safeguard You Amid Wildfire Loss. For more information, check out the video...

Palisades Artist to Debut Drawing Series at Gallery 169

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

A portion of proceeds from the exhibition will go toward relief efforts for artists impacted by recent wildfires A new...

Three Charged in FEMA Fraud Scheme Following California Wildfires

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Fraud related to disaster benefits carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison Three individuals, including two from...

Pacific Resident Theatre to Stage Psychological Drama ‘Willing Suspension of Disbelief’

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The play challenges distinctions between actor and role, victim and perpetrator, weaving a suspenseful exploration of perception and memory A...

Residents Urged to Secure Homes and Avoid Flood Zones Ahead of Major Storm

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

County officials are advising residents to take immediate steps to protect their homes and families Los Angeles County officials are...

Santa Monica College Among Schools Warned by Department of Education Over Antisemitism Claims

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

The letter, issued Monday, cautioned that the schools must uphold their obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act...

Cat Rescued From Palisades Fire Gets Outpouring of Support for Medical Recovery

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

The cat was found two months after the fire, emaciated and suffering from burns A cat that survived for weeks...

Palisades Community Council Might Oppose State Bill Expediting Housing Approvals

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

The council will also review concerns over zoning enforcement during the rebuilding process The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) will...

Santa Monica City Council to Discuss Homelessness Strategic Plan and New Police SMART Center

March 11, 2025

March 11, 2025

Public input will be accepted on various agenda items, with discussions scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. The Santa Monica...