Agenda - City of Santa Monica

skyline interest as viewed from the street. The floating frame provides visual interest
and a vertical connection between the mid-level and top portions of the building which
breaks the horizontal planes to provide a varied elevation. The front balconies also help
to activate the building on upper floors.
The north side elevation is designed with four units that face the interior side property
line that are inset to allow for private balconies, glazing surfaces, and natural light into
the residential units. The recessed portion of the building provides visual interest to the
interior elevation. Generally, the top 20 feet of the building (floors 3 and 4) would be
visible (except to the rear) based on the height of the adjacent NRDC building (2-3
stories). Trespa paneling proposed on the front elevation would wrap around the
building corner along this side elevation, providing detail to the front building corner.
The rear elevation along the alley is designed similar to the front elevation. Although
less developed and refined, the elevation includes recessed balconies and tall glazing
surfaces on upper floors that would provide adequate ocean views for rear facing units.
The south side elevation would match the height of the adjacent Step-Up on Second
residential building, and would not be visible.
Pedestrian Orientation
The commercial spaces would be occupied by neighborhood serving commercial uses.
The ground floor design includes expansive storefront glazing, sun shading devices for
pedestrians at the residential lobby entrance, and short-term bicycle parking for
commercial visitors. T he project would provide 7 short-term bicycle spaces for
commercial patrons, and 6 short-term bicycle spaces for residential visitors, consistent
with standards contemplated in the updated Zoning Ordinance. The existing sidewalk is
approximately 12’-0” wide along this segment of 2 nd Street. The ground floor would be
setback from the front property line, and would provide a b uilding setback of 15’-0”
between the curb and building. The proposed setbacks would be consistent with the 15
foot building setbacks (curb to building) contemplated in the Downtown Specific Plan for
Second Street.
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