More housing with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Oceano Dunes is coming to Grover Beach.
At its Tuesday meeting, the Grover Beach Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a new mixed-use project that will offer condominiums and shopping space at the very end of West Grand Avenue near Highway 1.
Including 23 condominium units and 2,500 square feet of commercial retail and outdoor patio space, the new development from Coastal Community Builders will continue to flesh out the city’s West Grand Avenue Master Plan, which has guided much of the major development along the street.
RRM Design Group principal Scott Martin, who contributed to the project’s design, said the project first appeared before the Planning Commission more than a year ago. The company has used that time to address the commission’s notes on noise and environmental concerns.
Martin said the design was largely informed by the uniquely narrow plot of land, which runs parallel to the railroad tracks and Highway 1 on the west and businesses to the east.
“We’re really trying to follow the Master Plan and get the building out toward the frontage,” Martin said. “These units are very different from what we have seen in the past. These are vertical units, so they start at the ground and go all the way up — you own your own air, if you will.”
Location of new mixed-use development off Grand Avenue
Project will add 23 condominium units and 2,500 square feet of commercial space with an outdoor patio.
Map created with the assistance of ChatGPT.
New project to replace part of BJ’s ATV Rentals
Sitting on a pair of existing lots totaling 1.03 acres at 197 West Grand Ave. and North 2nd St., the new development will require the removal of several existing structures.
The 10 existing structures — an assortment of sheds, car ports and vehicle storage — were constructed between 1963 and 1994 and belonged to BJ’s ATV Rentals.
According to the staff report, those 10 structures will be demolished to make way for a 24,150-square-foot mixed-use building with commercial space on the lower level and seven residential units on the upper levels and two 19,332 square-foot residential buildings consisting of eight townhomes each.
Townhomes in the residential buildings will stand three stories high with three bedrooms at around 1,800 square feet each, while the units above the commercial space will consist of three 1,800-square-foot units and four 1,950-square-foot units, each three stories in height, according to the staff report.
The largest of the three buildings will reach a maximum of 55 feet in height, with the other two residential buildings reaching 42 feet, according to the staff report.
The project will construct 50 on-site parking spaces between 32 tandem garage spaces, five single-car spaces for mixed-use residents and 13 parking lot spots, according to the staff report.
Located around 2,000 feet from the Pacific Ocean, the project is located in Flood Zone X but is considered a minimal flooding hazard, according to the staff report.
New construction coming to West Grand Avenue
With several mixed-use projects already under construction two blocks to the east, the end of West Grand Avenue will be a building hotspot for the forseeable future.
Curbs, sidewalks and pavement repair will all be implemented as part of the project, along with some signage upgrades.
During public comment, former Five Cities Fire Authority chief Steve Lieberman said the project would help transform the west end of West Grand Avenue into an “anchor” for the community.
“I’m grateful to have investment coming to our community that’s bringing a project that checks all the boxes,” Lieberman said.
According to the staff report, construction is expected to get underway in 2025, and will likely last a year.