Phase 1: Charting the Course

Any planning process must begin with a comprehensive understanding of the site's existing conditions. Below you'll find a summary of our explorations of the Santa Monica Airport site, including its present and historical conditions. If you're interested in learning more, head over to the Learn & Engage page to view the Virtual Education Session 1 video.

This website will keep you updated on what is happening with the campus planning process and how you can get involved. Check back periodically for updates.

Let's build the future of Santa Monica together.

Phase 1: Charting the Course

Any planning process must begin with a comprehensive understanding of the site's existing conditions. Below you'll find a summary of our explorations of the Santa Monica Airport site, including its present and historical conditions. If you're interested in learning more, head over to the Learn & Engage page to view the Virtual Education Session 1 video.

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Project Site

Project Site

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Project Site

An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

EXISTING CONDITIONS

City

EXISTING CONDITIONS

City

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

Urban Centers

The site's proximity to the urban centers of Santa Monica and the larger Los Angeles region presents an exceptional opportunity for it to emerge as a well-connected community resource.

Ecology Connector

The site's location and topography play an important role in shaping Santa Monica's future ecological health, enabling better connectivity with the larger regional ecology.

The Opportunity

The Santa Monica Airport is strategically positioned to be reborn as a central community resource, with park and recreation offerings that feature captivating views of the mountains, ocean, and downtown Los Angeles.

Population Density

The airport site sits within the dense urban fabric of Santa Monica and Los Angeles's westside residential neighborhoods.

0-9,999

10,000-19,999

20,000-29,999

>30,000

People per sq. mile

Site Accessibility

Most Santa Monica residents can access the site via a 20-minute bike ride.

10 min walk

15 min walk

20 min walk

10 min bike

20 min bike

Site Hydrology

The Santa Monica Airport has a relatively low flood risk compared to other surrounding areas to the east.

Flow to Santa Monica Bay

Flow to Ballona Creek

Flood Risk

low-high

On-site Today

A variety of different uses and building types occupy the site today. In addition to aviation uses, the site is home to retail, art, cultural, institutional, and office facilities.

Retail / Restaurant

Arts/Culture/Institutional

Aviation Use

Office

Scheduled to be Demolished

Other

Site Materials

The Santa Monica Airport is 80% covered by impervious surfaces which include buildings, concrete, runway, plazas, and paths.

Pervious Surface

20%

Lawn

Sports Field

Interim landscape

Semi-Pervious Surface

80%

Building

Concrete & Asphalt

Tarmac

Plaza & Pathways

Site Topography

With the exception of the steep bluff drop off on the west side, the site is characterized by a relatively gentle east to west slope, which enables a clear view of the bay from many points of the property.

0-3 degrees

3-5

5-8

8-15

15-33

>33

An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing present-day on site structures, color-coded by use type. The graphic shows a concentration of aviation and office buildings on the north side of the runway and a variety of aviation, arts, culture, institutional, and office buildings on the south side of the runway, along with a small number of retail buildings.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded site materiality.
A plan graphic of the Santa Monica Airport site showing color-coded slopes/topography, where red areas are steeper and green areas are more flat.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including general water flow lines and Ballona Creek.
An oblique aerial image of Santa Monica and Los Angeles from above Santa Monica Bay with the airport site highlighted and key features diagrammed over the city and region, including major roads, the Expo Line, major commercial centers, and parks, and opportunities for view corridors from the airport site.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing population density by census block. The map shows the areas around the Santa Monica Airport site with slightly less dense residential populations than the rest of Santa Monica.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing walk and bike distance isochrones from the airport site. The image displays 10, 15, and 20-minute walk isochrones and 10 and 20-minute biking isochrones.
A map of Santa Monica and the immediate areas of Los Angeles surrounding the city showing major hydrological corridors draining toward Santa Monica Bay and areas of flood risk.