A New Coastal Landmark

Cruising northward from LA along the 101 freeway, you finally see the ocean as you approach downtown Ventura. Suddenly, the new enclave of Coastline Ventura, our recently completed 231-unit luxury apartment project with commanding ocean vistas by Johnson Development Associates comes into view.

The unusual 11-acre site was vacant and is land-locked between the freeway and the coastal railroad line. In the works for about 27 years, planning for the project began in 1994 when the City adopted the Downtown Specific Plan (SP) wishing to extend the downtown to the beach. In 2004, a form-based code was incorporated into the SP. A prolonged effort on the City’s Local Coastal Plan (LCP) ensued and was finally adopted in 2014; WHA was selected as architect in 2015. The team worked closely with the City staff and Design Review Commission to craft a unique project with tightly-established constraints for this unique site.

With nearly a third of a mile of blufftop frontage, the SP called for attachment to the downtown by an extension of Ash Street along the bluff. A new ocean view promenade runs along the bluff and connects it to an existing pedestrian bridge across the 101, providing access to the beach and pier. Near the bridge, the site includes a park devoted to a branch of the Ventura Botanical Garden, a food truck space and future bikeshare station.

Eleven unique buildings in “mansion” and “stacked dwelling” configurations, as defined in the SP, were conceived to be a family of buildings (siblings and cousins, not identical twins) to balance variety and consistency. The design team looked to mid-century and nautical-inspired architecture influenced by Ventura’s 1959 Foster Library and other local examples. A carefully controlled color palette furthers the sense of continuity and individuality. Finally, a brilliant landscape by Sitescapes brings the beach to the complex, especially in the imaginative tot lot and featured pavements incorporating seashells.

The buildings are composed in 2-, 3-, and 4-stories, incorporating live-work and co-working spaces, gardens, courtyards, overlooks, and a spectacular centralized pool/recreation complex with sunset view terraces.  Approximately 85% of units have ocean views. Generous patios and balconies are already well used as extensions of living space. Durable materials designed to withstand the exposed coastal environment were employed to reduce maintenance.

Especially when viewed southbound on the 101 or from an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train, Coastline Ventura is a visual landmark that can’t be missed!