frank gehry has revised plans for a development in santa monica, california, which was first unveiled in 2013. dubbed the ‘ocean avenue project’, the scheme comprises a hotel topped with an observation deck, rental apartments, a museum, and two landmarked buildings. the almost two-acre plot sits astride ocean avenue and santa monica boulevard, overlooking the pacific ocean, palisades park, and the city’s famous pier. ‘I’m very excited — it’s been 30 years since I’ve had the opportunity to design an impactful project in my hometown of over 40 years,’ says frank gehry.

frank gehry ocean avenue project
the scheme includes a hotel topped with an observation deck
image © gehry partners, LLP, courtesy of the ocean avenue project

 

 

in response to community and city feedback and the downtown community plan guidelines, a number of changes have been made to the ocean avenue project since it was first presented in 2013. the height of the frank gehry-designed hotel has been reduced from 244 feet (74 meters) to 130 feet (meters), while the building has an average height of 44 feet 3 inches, (under 13.5 meters). in addition, ground level pedestrian areas have been reorganized and improved, while museum and cultural programs remain untouched. importantly, the number of rental units and affordable units has been increased, while condominiums have been removed and the hotel program reduced.

frank gehry ocean avenue project
the almost two-acre plot sits astride ocean avenue and santa monica boulevard
image © gehry partners, LLP, courtesy of the ocean avenue project

 

 

the project is being backed by developers worthe real estate group (worthe) and m. david paul and associates (MDPA). ‘our team feels a strong responsibility to create a truly special place that residents can enjoy and be excited about,’ says jeff worthe, president of worthe real estate group. ‘we have spent countless hours considering the right project for this very special site and our community,’ adds david paul, president m. david paul associates. ‘the result is a gehry-designed building and museum campus that will be a cultural anchor for residents and visitors alike.’ read more about the project and its community benefits here.

frank gehry ocean avenue project
the public observation deck will offer sunset views
image © gehry partners, LLP, courtesy of the ocean avenue project

frank gehry ocean avenue project
a museum component is also included as part of the plans
image © gehry partners, LLP, courtesy of the ocean avenue project