Completion Nears for Mixed-Use Project at 1650 Lincoln Blvd. In Santa Monica

Why It Matters

The project expands housing inventory and retail options in a high‑density corridor, supporting Santa Monica’s push for urban densification. It also reflects Tishman Speyer’s broader strategy to capitalize on premium mixed‑use assets in a constrained California market.

Key Takeaways

• Tishman Speyer acquired eight Santa Monica sites for $150 M
• 1650 Lincoln will host 98 apartments and 6,000 sq ft retail
• Three‑level garage provides 206 parking spaces for residents and visitors
• Lincoln Blvd's development boom adds density to Santa Monica's downtown

Pulse Analysis

The 1650 Lincoln Boulevard development epitomizes the next wave of mixed‑use construction reshaping Santa Monica’s downtown core. With 98 upscale apartments perched above a modest retail podium, the project leverages a layered façade and a sun‑lit courtyard to blend residential comfort with street‑level activity. Completion slated for later this year will introduce a three‑level, 206‑space garage, addressing the city’s chronic parking constraints while preserving pedestrian flow along the bustling Lincoln corridor.

Santa Monica has witnessed a construction boom along Lincoln Boulevard, where developers are stacking housing atop commercial space to meet soaring demand for walkable, transit‑adjacent living. The city’s limited land supply and stringent zoning have pushed investors toward vertical solutions that maximize unit density without sacrificing amenity. By integrating retail, the project not only diversifies revenue streams but also enriches the neighborhood’s retail mix, catering to both residents and the broader community. This approach aligns with municipal goals to increase housing supply while sustaining a vibrant streetscape.

Tishman Speyer’s acquisition of eight Santa Monica sites for $150 million in early 2022 underscores its confidence in the region’s long‑term value proposition. The firm’s portfolio now includes multiple under‑construction projects, positioning it to benefit from economies of scale in construction, design, and leasing. For investors, the development signals a robust pipeline of premium assets that can command higher rents amid a tightening rental market. Moreover, the project’s timely delivery enhances Tishman Speyer’s reputation for executing complex, high‑density mixed‑use projects in competitive urban environments.