Artists Village Builder Picked

The City Council recently selected a Seal Beach development firm, the Olson Co., to build two residential housing projects for the 5-year-old Artists Village.

Housing for resident artists is considered by city officials to be the final piece to the downtown artist colony puzzle.

“The city has been very successful in recruiting artists to the village,” said Charles View, Santa Ana’s downtown development manager. “One of our overall goals was to bring a dynamic residential/gallery-oriented area to the village.”

View said the residential developments will help create an after-hours scene in the village where visitors can eat dinner and then visit numerous galleries.

The main development planned is a four-level, 40- to 60-unit residential project with loft and flat-style apartments and retail, restaurant and possible gallery space. The project area is bound by Sycamore, 3rd, 2nd and Main streets.

A second development, east of Main Street, will consist of 61 townhouse-style units. The units are expected to range from 750 to 1,500 square feet and should cost between $150,000 and $200,000.

Construction could begin as early as next year.

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Chris Ceballos can be reached at (714) 966-7440.