ValueRock Realty Proposed Santa Monica Redevelopment
The developer filed plans to replace a local Mel’s Drive-In with an eight-story residential building.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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ValueRock Realty has filed an application to construct an eight-story mixed-use building at 1670 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. The proposal would replace the current Mel’s Drive-In with 138 new apartment units.
Why it matters
The developer is utilizing density bonus incentives to pursue the project in exchange for including 14 affordable housing units. This move seeks to leverage local land use regulations to expand residential capacity along the busy Lincoln Boulevard corridor.
The proposed podium-style development spans 5,667 square feet of commercial space and includes semi-subterranean parking for 123 vehicles. Of the 138 total apartments, 14 units are designated for low- and moderate-income households.
The players
ValueRock Realty
This real estate firm owns the property at 1670 Lincoln Boulevard and serves as the primary developer for the proposed redevelopment project.
Ottinger Architects
This firm is the project designer tasked with drafting the plans for the proposed eight-story mixed-use building.
The details
Designed by Ottinger Architects, the project replaces the existing restaurant and parking lot with a modern mixed-use structure. The developer is seeking density bonuses and waivers to land use rules to facilitate the height and density of the eight-story complex.
Timeline
The application for 1670 Lincoln Boulevard was filed recently.
More than six housing complexes were completed along Lincoln over the past decade.
Market Landscape
This development reflects the continuing transformation of the Lincoln Boulevard corridor as developers shift away from low-density commercial sites toward high-density, mixed-use living. It follows a multi-year trend that has already seen the completion of several similar housing complexes nearby.
Residents should anticipate the potential closure of the existing Mel’s Drive-In location as the site undergoes redevelopment. Local shoppers may eventually gain access to new ground-floor commercial space once the project is completed.
The takeaway
Developers are increasingly utilizing city density bonus programs to replace older, low-density retail sites with multi-story residential housing. Residents should keep an eye on municipal planning meetings to track how these building permits influence neighborhood density.
Further reading
For more information on similar urban changes, visit the Santa Monica Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Urbanize LA.
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