A major step forward has been achieved for one of Downtown’s largest development projects.

At 710 Broadway, vertical construction has officially been completed on what will soon become a mixed-use development. This phase of construction began in November 2023, and the project remains on track for completion later this year.

The development, spearheaded by Related California, began its planning phase in early 2020, focusing on transforming the former Vons supermarket space. The eight-story structure will include 280 apartments, with 84 designated as affordable housing for households earning up to 30 percent of the area median income and the moderate-income level. Community Corporation of Santa Monica will oversee the affordable units.

The project also features approximately 90,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, anchored by a new Vons supermarket, replacing the store that was demolished prior to construction. Additionally, the complex will house a 30,000-square-foot central courtyard.

The design involves a collaboration between Related California, Large Architecture, Marmol Radziner & Associates for interior design, and Studio MLA for landscaping. The developer has a strong presence in Santa Monica, with previous projects like Ocean Avenue South, Belmar Apartments, and The Waverly.

While the Broadway project celebrates its progress, another Downtown development is advancing through the public review process.

On Monday, the Architectural Review Board (ARB) held a hearing for the proposed 24-story mixed-use building at 601 Colorado Ave. If approved, the project would become one of the tallest residential buildings in Santa Monica. The development plans include 264 units, 40 of which are designated as affordable, along with 4,009 square feet of commercial space.

An Administrative Approval application for the project was submitted on June 7, 2024. ARB review is required prior to final approval under the City’s streamlined design review process introduced with the 6th Cycle Housing Element.

In a virtual community meeting held in May, land use attorney Jesse Ottinger outlined the plans for ground-floor retail and potential outdoor dining spaces.

“We’re thinking of some potential outdoor dining spaces, and we have two smaller neighborhoods serving retail spaces along Colorado and then the alley to the west where we have our services with the utilities and parking and loading access along the alley,” Ottinger said.

The May meeting was largely positive, with attendees expressing optimism about the project’s potential to enhance the Downtown area. However, earlier online comments raised concerns about the project’s parking and how it fits the character of the neighborhood.