SANTA MONICA (August 4, 2021) –– In response to major shifts in consumer trends and shopping patterns, new technology, changing demographics, and the overall competitive landscape, made more challenging by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) is eager to announce the release of the Third Street Promenade Stabilization and Economic Vitality Plan. This focused, strategic and action-oriented plan will serve as a guide to help reimagine the visitor experience on the Promenade and provide private property owners along the world-famous pedestrian street with resources, guidance and the policy reform they need to reinvest and reconfigure their commercial space.
"As communities are considering meaningful ways to recover from the economic devastation brought about by the pandemic, DTSM and the City of Santa Monica together with property owners, passionate local residents and industry experts have laid forth a significant infrastructure investment to address the ongoing needs of the Promenade and the downtown district," said DTSM Board Chair Barry Snell. "Our hope is the Vitality Plan will help encourage better use of public and private property in an effort to help recapture the street's vibrancy while building an exciting, diverse and inclusive new era that meets the evolving needs of our residents and the greater Santa Monica community for years to come."
Developed over the course of six months using the latest research and input from a diverse group of stakeholders, the Vitality Plan identifies changes to land use and zoning regulations for the Third Street Promenade to enable more flexibility around the use of private space and reconsiders the regulations that limit private properties to the traditional retail, dining and office model. This is in an effort to create a modern and equitable downtown inclusive of experiential retail, live entertainment, nightlife, cultural offerings, small scale manufacturing, housing, office space and more.
The proposed plan also calls for more rooftop bars and restaurants, underground hideaways that foster nightlife and give the downtown a layer of excitement and sense of discovery, a new cultural and entertainment venue that could provide sought-after entertainment experiences not currently available west of the 405 and the possible creation of a new signature public space in the form of a Town Square that would host outdoor concerts, makers markets and provide the community with more open space.
"The Vitality Plan will be a vital resource with which we can all work together to help generate new and innovative uses of private properties. It focuses on creating an exciting new experience for our diverse and expanding customer base," said Promenade Advisory Committee member and property owner Robert Resnick. "Recommended zoning changes will be instrumental for tenant strategies on each of the three blocks, with tools to help landlords adapt their space to emerging market demands. These initiatives, supported by robust public space activation steeped in art, culture and diversity is our roadmap for the next generation of Third Street Promenade.
Progress on initiatives outlined in the Vitality Plan is already underway. DTSM is installing new lighting and interactive elements tailored to capitalize on the increased demand for public art and fixtures that make for engaging and fun moments to be shared on social media. DTSM's economic development team has also developed a leasing strategy to build a more diverse and inclusive business mix with a focus on small-scale manufacturers and artisans who do not currently have a brick-and-mortar presence in Santa Monica. DTSM purchased six kiosks that will be strategically placed along the Promenade, with the goal of giving these entrepreneurs opportunities to grow their businesses at a scale that works for them.
In response to pandemic-related emergency health orders the council has permitted additional opportunities for outdoor dining, retail and fitness, as well as entertainment uses along the Promenade. The Promenade's eclectic mix of street performers have returned and DTSM has ramped up the production of free community events including live music, exercise classes, kids crafts, poetry readings, art walks and more. To foster a safe and welcoming environment, the ambassador program has expanded to provide safety-related services in addition to the hospitality, custodial and homeless outreach efforts already in place.
For more information on the Vitality Plan, visit DowntownSM.com/Promenade. For the latest resources and information, follow @DTSantaMonica on Instagram and Twitter or DowntownSantaMonica on Facebook.
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About Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM, Inc.)
Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. is a private non-profit 501c(3) that works with the City of Santa Monica to manage services and operations in Downtown Santa Monica that promote economic stability, growth and community life within Downtown Santa Monica. DTSM, Inc. manages the Property-based Business Assessment District (PBAD) that encompasses the area bounded by Ocean Avenue (W), Wilshire Boulevard (N), Lincoln Boulevard (E) and the Santa Monica Freeway (S). For more info, please visit DowntownSM.com or follow us on Instagram and Twitter @dtsantamonica or Facebook at DowntownSantaMonica.