Santa Teresita Development Achieves Silver LEED Rating

Phase 1 of the “Rose Gardens at Santa Teresita” development recently achieved a Silver LEED Rating.  As reported in an earlier Blog post, the 22-unit assisted living facility is the first structure to be completed in the four phase project.  Over time the grounds will be developed with skilled nursing facilities and assisted living and independent living units in a campus type setting for seniors.  For more information about the Rose Gardens visit Santa Teresita's website.

North Facing Elevation

East Side of the Building

Planning Commission Update - April 10, 2013

April 10, 2013 was the date of the regular meeting of the Monrovia Planning Commission.  The agenda was short—only one hearing—but the project is an important one.  The Commission reviewed a proposal to construct a 154-unit apartment building with a small non-residential component on South Fifth Avenue, just south of Huntington Drive.

One could say the planning for this project goes back to 2006.  That’s when the City began a series of meetings and workshops to update the General Plan which was ultimately adopted in 2008.  The primary focus of the update created several distinct planning areas to focus future development: Station Square, the South Myrtle Avenue Corridor (Olive Avenue to I-210) and West Huntington Drive.  

Specifically, the west end of West Huntington was envisioned as a mixed use “village” providing opportunities for housing, office and retail.  Monrovia had big plans!  Then the Great Recession hit and development hit the proverbial wall.

The region is definitely on an upswing and this is one of the first proposals out of the gate.  There are many approvals needed for this project which is spelled out in detail in the staff report, specific plan, and environmental documents and studies.  But what most people want to know is what it is going to look like.  Right?  So here it is.  

         

During the public hearing, no one spoke with concerns about the project.  The Planning Commission had a very thoughtful discussion about the project including the parking, traffic and potential uses in the commercial space at the north corner of the building.  At the close of the hearing, the Commission voted to recommend approval of this application to the City Council.  The City Council is scheduled to review the proposal on May 21. 

Ivy @ Monrovia

If you’re a long time reader of our blog, you might remember way back to last September when the Planning Commission approved a new multi-family development at 138 East Olive.  And if your memory is really good, you probably remember this building.

While we had high hopes that the old SAK building would find new life, the owner discovered that the building had issues.  Big issues!  Unfortunately, the building had to come down.  The site later served as a temporary parking lot, temporary fire station, temporary construction staging area…

After sitting vacant for several years, Williams Homes proposed a new 18-unit residential condominium that will complete the vision established for the 100 block of East Olive that started with Paragon.  With final approvals under their belt, they are moving full speed ahead into the construction phase and are in the final stages of the plan check process.  We expect them to break ground soon.  Here’s what it’s going to look like.

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