The Laurel Opens in Santa Monica, Restoring a Historic Landmark and 57 Lives
October 2, 2024
EAH Housing recently held the grand opening of The Laurel, a 58-unit permanent supportive housing development in Santa Monica. This marks an important step for the city as it works to address housing and homelessness. The Laurel is the first permanent supportive housing community to open in Santa Monica in more than ten years.
The four-story building at 1413 Michigan Avenue is LEED Gold-certified and has 57 studio apartments for people earning 30% to 50% of the area median income. In recent months, all 57 residents have moved into their new, fully furnished apartments, starting a new chapter in their lives.
Historic Preservation Meets Modern Design
One of The Laurel’s standout features is its thoughtful incorporation of the historic Santa Monica Nikkei Hall, a cultural landmark built in 1957 that had been vacant for years before its careful restoration. The Hall still has its original windows, entry porch, and woodwork, and now serves as a gathering place for residents next to a newly restored Japanese garden.
KFA Architecture designed The Laurel, and Westport Construction built it. The four-story, C-shaped building surrounds a landscaped central courtyard, honoring the original hall while giving residents a pleasant outdoor area. This project shows how historic preservation and modern affordable housing can work together to meet community needs.
The development includes:
- 57 fully furnished studio apartments
- Laundry facilities on every floor
- Common-area decks and a restored community space: the Nikkei Hall.
The People Concern, one of Los Angeles County's largest social services providers, delivers on-site supportive services to residents.
The project was funded through an $11.7 million Housing Trust Fund loan from the City of Santa Monica, along with ongoing housing vouchers. Special thanks to the City of Santa Monica, the project's key funder, whose steadfast dedication to affordable housing and residents made this project possible.
Following its opening, The Laurel received significant media coverage, including in Santa Monica Next, Santa Monica Daily Press, Yield PRO, Culver City Observer, Rafu Shimpo, LA YIMBY, and Urbanize LA.
