2919 Wilshire Moving Forward

Can we finally say goodbye to that ugly, run-down liquor store on Wilshire and Stanford? Next week, the planning commission is set to approve a development permit for the planned 4-story mixed-use development at 2919 Wilshire. The development will include 26 apartment units above a 11,000 SF specialty market and is targeting a LEED silver certification.
This area is already saturated with Whole Foods, so I wonder what kind of specialty market they have in mind. The Albertson's next door is supposed to be redeveloped in the coming years but I doubt they would downsize to just 11,000 SF. Trader Joe's would certainly be a welcome addition to the neighborhood.

Chipotle Replacing Fatburger on the Promenade

Fatburger recently announced that they will be moving to the newly-remodeled Santa Monica Place food court this summer. According to city documents the popular Mexican fast food restaurant Chipotle will be moving into the space now occupied by Fatburger at 1218 Third St between Wilshire and Arizona. This will be the chain's first location in Santa Monica.

Update: Check out our latest post which includes the opening date of the new store.

519 Santa Monica Blvd

Another mixed-use project for Santa Monica Blvd. This one's right across the street from the library and Goodwill. The existing 1-story commercial building hasn't been vacated so we probably won't see construction on this one for a while. This particular stretch of Santa Monica Blvd has really undergone a tremendous transformation. Hopefully, that suburban-looking Goodwill store across the street will be replace with a nice mixed-use structure in the near future.

Photo Source: dfh architects, santa monica

Freeway Capping is Moving Forward

The 10 freeway has long been considered an eye sore, especially in the downtown area, where it cuts of the Promenade and Santa Monica Place from Main Street. We've heard a lot of talk about capping the freeway between Ocean Ave and 4th St but now the city really seems to be committed to this project. Check out the document below for some interesting information about the project. Also being studied is a reconfiguration of the 4th St freeway exit that would move the off-ramp right next to city hall.

Santa Monica Freeway Capping