D
iico Properties has unveiled plans for a new eight-story hotel-apartment complex at 1420 20th Street in Santa Monica's Mid-City area. The Beverly Hills-based developer, led by Ely Dromy, aims to replace the existing 10-unit apartment complex with a mixed-use project featuring a 40-room hotel and 50 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

    The building will also include 1,299 square feet of shops and an underground garage for 62 cars. The project falls under California's builder's remedy law, which allows developers to bypass local zoning rules in cities that failed to certify their required housing plans if they include at least 20% affordable housing.

    Diico Properties' Santa Monica complex will feature 10 affordable units, replacing the existing apartments on site. Designed by Venice-based Ottinger Architects, the building boasts a unique white and olive color scheme with exterior balconies partially wrapped in metal screens and a rooftop deck.

    The project is one of several builder's remedy projects that were initially out of compliance due to zoning regulations limiting height and density. Santa Monica eventually reached a settlement regarding most of these projects, which are now being processed by city staff instead of going through the traditional approval process.