Income Housing Opens at Site of Santa Monica Nikkei Hall

SANTA MONICA — A grand opening was held Oct. 2 for low-income housing on the former site of Santa Monica Nikkei Hall.

Located at 1413 Michigan Ave. and built by EAH Housing, The Laurel is a four-story building composed of 57 studio apartments reserved for individuals earning between 30% and 50% of the area media income (AMI) plus a manager's unit. It provides housing for individuals who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused in Santa Monica, and vulnerable individuals who have frequently relied on first-responder resources for care while unhoused.

The People Concern, one of Los Angeles County's largest providers of social services to those unhoused and facing domestic violence, will provide supportive services.

Amenities include a laundry facility on each floor, a common area deck on the third and fourth floors, several on-grade parking spaces, and a community space for resident use.

This development features a restored cultural landmark, Santa Monica Nikkei Hall, which was erected in 1957 and sat vacant for several years before being restored and incorporated into The Laurel. The landmark retains its original windows, entry porch, and woodwork and features a newly restored Japanese garden. The hall will serve as a gathering place for the community to meet and facilitate resident services.

Los Angeles-based architecture firm KFA designed The Laurel focusing on urban revitalization and sustainability. The C-shaped building surrounds a landscaped courtyard with seating. An elevated patio on the second floor and a third-floor community deck will face inward to the central courtyard to promote community interaction.

The Laurel was funded by an $11.7 million Housing Trust Fund loan from Santa Monica, along with ongoing city housing vouchers. The additional apartments bring the city's total permanent supportive housing units to 181, with 98 more in development. It's the first such project to open in nearly a decade.

Residents include adjunct professors, art educators, filmmakers, and entrepreneurs who were unhoused due to life-changing events like job loss, the pandemic, or a fire. Over half are seniors or have disabilities, with many having been unhoused in Santa Monica for over a decade. Seven residents were referred through the Pathway Home program, a city-county partnership for encampment resolution.

"Providing quality, affordable housing for the nation's most vulnerable residents is a core function of EAH Housing's mission," said EAH Housing President and CEO Laura Hall. "The Laurel is a testament to this commitment. We are honored to have worked alongside the City of Santa Monica these past four years to bring our collective vision to fruition. We look forward to creating more thoughtful solutions to address Santa Monica's housing crisis, and improve residents' quality of life."

"The individuals living at The Laurel have a new lease on life, now that they are housed with easy access to the services that help them reclaim their lives," said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. "We must help those who are suffering on our streets get on a pathway out of homelessness while also mitigating the impacts of homelessness on our business community. This new community is a huge step in the right direction."

"With the opening of The Laurel, 57 vulnerable Santa Monicans now have a safe, stable place to call home," said Santa Monica Housing and Human Services Director Heather Averick. "Permanent supportive housing is a vital and necessary tool in our work to address the housing and homelessness crisis in our city. The Laurel is a beautiful example of the city's dedication to creating and sustaining permanent solutions to better improve the quality of life for all Santa Monicans."

Other speakers at the grand opening included EAH Housing Chief Real Estate Development Officer Welton Jordan, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, The People Concern CEO John Maceri, and resident Christopher Felts.

The History of the Hall

Following are remarks by Steve Ohigashi, who spoke about the hall's history and significance:

"It's an honor to speak on behalf of all Nikkei Hall members, including my parents, Yutaka Jack and Toshiye Ohigashi. Sadly, most have passed on, but not forgotten, because thanks to the City of Santa Monica, its Landmarks Commission, and EAH Housing, we are gathered here today, in part, to commemorate the preservation and restoration of the Nikkei Hall building.

"The founding members were Isseis, first-generation Japanese American immigrants, and Niseis, American-born children of Isseis. They returned home from internment camps and faced challenges assimilating back into society. Nikkei Hall served an important role in this transition, providing space for people to socially meet and receive support services. To many, this was their second home.

"And then came us, the children of Niseis, the third-generation, Sanseis. In the 1960s and '70s, we were preteen Baby Boomers and found ourselves to be a part of Nikkei Hall too. We enjoyed the annual Christmas parties, the summer picnics, the bus excursions to Vegas, Grand Canyon, San Diego Zoo.

"By the mid-2000s, membership was aging and dwindling. There was anxiety and stress by the small number of remaining members — 'What are we going to do about Nikkei Hall?' Between 2013 and 2017, we formally dissolved the organization, sold the property, and distributed the proceeds from the sale.

"But not all at once. The distribution of funds continues today to local temples and churches, and to community organizations focused on enhancing the lives of Asians and Pacific Islanders. To date, $2.3 million has been donated, and counting.

"Nikkei Hall members would be proud and grateful to see how their modest beginnings on this property continue to support the many diverse needs of Asian Pacific communities and is now a part of a development that addresses the need for supportive housing.

"One final thought. There is a subtle but profound connection here between past and present — resilience. It was necessary for the Nikkei Hall founders. They were not welcomed here. Despite that, they started a new beginning. Found places to live. Found jobs. Raised families. And pursued their dreams in Santa Monica.

"Resilience is still here today, among the new residents of The Laurel. With new purpose. New beginnings. Pursuing their dreams in Santa Monica."

A commemorative plaque on the site tells the story of Santa Monica Nikkei Hall.

EAH Housing is a nonprofit corporation founded with the belief that attractive affordable rental housing is the cornerstone to sustainable, healthy, and livable communities. Established in 1968, it has become one of the largest and most respected nonprofit housing development and management organizations in the western U.S.

With a staff of over 750, EAH develops affordable housing, manages over 240 properties in California and Hawaii, and plays a leadership role in local, regional and national housing advocacy efforts.

Starting from grassroots origins in response to the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., EAH now serves over 25,000 seniors, families, veterans, students, people with special needs, and the formerly unhoused. Combining award-winning design, innovative on-site services and a commitment to people, EAH reflects the distinctive personality of each community.