Gehry’s chiseled, 244 foot tower is not the only mixed-use proposal currently being considered by the city of Santa Monica, as officials have selected three international teams led by prominent architects to submit proposals for a “significant” and “signature” development on a 2.5 acre site downtown. Located on Arizona Avenue between 4th and 5th streets, the parcel is currently occupied by a parking lot and two banks. Although the city did not specify a size constraint, the proposed designs will be expected to fit within the surrounding context and include an appropriate mix of of retail, office, hotel and residential space.
The following teams have been asked to submit proposals in May:
- OMA with VTBS and OLIN
- Robert A.M. Stern with Brooks + Scarpa
- Koning Eizenberg, Rios Clementi Hale, and RTKL
The shortlisted developers include:
- Forest City
- Metropolitan Pacific Capital/Clarett West Development
- Related
In addition, the city hopes to add a cultural aspect within the development by requesting the proposals to integrate a programable gathering space that could host public gatherings and seasonal activities for the Santa Monica community, while preserving space for the annual, city-host ice skating rink that occurs at that site each winter.
