A six-story, mixed-used building at a key intersection in downtown Santa Maria along with a relocated and expanded memorial to a fallen firefighter received praise from planning commissioners on Wednesday.
The Santa Maria Planning Commission’s unanimous approval will serve as a recommendation to the City Council for the Alvin Newton Apartments at the southeast corner of Main Street (Highway 166) and Broadway (Highway 135).
The Vernon Group plans a 75,340-square-foot building with businesses, possible eateries, on the ground level and 82 apartment units. The project also would include a rooftop deck and outdoor plazas.
Specifically, the project would include 5,400 square feet of commercial space plus five studio units, 67 one-bedroom apartments and 10 two-bedroom units.
The project would require the relocation of a memorial for Santa Maria firefighter Alvin Newton, who died in April 1970 while fighting a blaze at the empty Bradley Hotel on the corner.
In addition to relocating the plaque, the memorial would include a larger-than-life statue of Newton and a shadowbox of historical artifacts. Newton also would be remembered with the naming of the building after him.
“I think this is a marvelous project. The Vernon Group did a really phenomenally good job at dividing up the amount of space that they had, working with the community, reaching out of the community, so I am very supportive of this project,” Commissioner Robert Dickerson said.
“It’s a great project,” Commissioner Tom Lopez said. “It’s exciting. It’s going to be a catalyst for what’s to come, I’m hoping.
“The Vernon Group’s really putting their money where their mouth is. They’re really embracing our Downtown Specific Plan.”
Santa Maria drafted its Downtown Specific Plan in hopes of spurring development in the area. Several years later, the city revised the dormant plan, leading to the launch of Downtown Fridays, including food vendors and entertainment to attract people to the area.
They also solicited developers for vacant city-owned land in the area, leading to Vernon Group’s proposal.
Word of the plans for a development of the area raised concerns about the Newton memorial plus a four-corners monument noting the city’s founding fathers. That led to talks with the Newton family and Santa Maria Firefighters Local 2020 to craft a solution to relocate and improve the memorial.
Commissioner Yasameen Mohajer noted the developer’s efforts to remember Newton’s sacrifice.
“I know that touched a lot of hearts for people in the community, and I think you guys did it well in a way that complements the building. I think it’s a great addition to the downtown area,” she added.
The new building would abut the existing parking structure, which would provide spaces for residents and customers of any new businesses.
It isn’t the only project officials hope will revitalize the downtown area. Construction of another mixed-use project continues on the northwest corner of Main and Broadway, and a different project would convert an empty Santa Maria Town Center West department store building that once housed Mervyn’s and then Fallas into 104 apartment units.