Schools Move into Santa Monica Office Spaces Post-Wildfire
In a remarkable shift, several schools from the Pacific Palisades are relocating to office spaces in Santa Monica as a response to the January wildfires that devastated the area. This phenomenon not only addresses educational needs but also revitalizes Santa Monica’s commercial real estate market, which has faced challenges due to the lingering impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transformation of Office Spaces
Set against a backdrop of sleek office buildings occupied by high-profile companies like Amazon and Oracle, the Water Garden complex is now home to students from Calvary Christian School, among others. The transition of schools into these corporate environments is seen as a creative solution, especially after the destruction of nearly 7,000 structures and over 23,000 acres due to wildfires.
Addressing Space Needs
With thousands of K-12 students expected to inhabit more than 200,000 square feet of newly available spaces, schools are becoming an unexpected boon to the local leasing market. This influx comes at a time when vacancies in Santa Monica’s office sector persist at about 31%, a notable increase from the previous year.
“It wasn’t on my bingo card this year to be doing school leases, but here I am — and you roll with the times,” stated Alex Cameron, the Los Angeles regional director at BXP, whose buildings like Colorado Center are now accommodating schools such as Village School and Seven Arrows Elementary.
Market Dynamics
Not all landlords in the Santa Monica area enjoy low vacancy rates; however, places like Colorado Center and Santa Monica Business Park have effectively utilized their spaces to welcome these educational institutions.
Jennifer Taylor, economic development manager for Santa Monica, emphasized that the presence of schools revitalizes commercial districts, adding a sense of vibrancy amidst a struggling office market. A significant shift is also occurring at the former Sears building, which is set to welcome Palisades Charter High School, further bringing life to spaces that have long been underutilized.
Temporary Solutions for Permanent Challenges
The relocations are intended to be short-term solutions. After the traumatic experiences from the Palisades fire, schools such as Village School have found a supportive temporary home. John Evans, head of Village School, noted that although the new space comes with challenges like the absence of permanent walls, the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere helps ease the transition for students.
The Rebirth of the Former Sears Building
The old Sears building, which has remained vacant for years, presents over 100,000 square feet of usable space that aligns with Palisades Charter High School’s needs. Principal Pamela Magee confirmed that the move to this location, costing approximately $11 million and funded mainly through insurance, will accommodate the school’s 2,445 students.
Community Resilience and Adaptation
Local city officials were quick to anticipate the need for more educational space following the fires. By adopting a streamlined permitting process shortly after the disaster, schools like St. Matthew’s were able to secure new locations swiftly. Alley Michaelson, head of St. Matthew’s, highlighted that their focus on returning to in-person learning began immediately after the crisis.
St. Matthew’s, which reopened for grades three to eight at the Water Garden, exemplifies community resilience. The school’s expansion plans include additional space for younger students, turning the disaster into an opportunity to strengthen community ties.
Conclusion
The emergence of schools within Santa Monica’s office landscape demonstrates a novel approach to real estate utilization and community recovery. As schools temporarily settle into these spaces, both students and local businesses stand to benefit from the enhanced vibrancy and activity in the area, signaling a unique response to recent challenges.
