Local developer WS Communities plans to replace a series of small commercial buildings on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica with a mixed-use apartment complex.

The proposed development, slated for the northwest corner of Wilshire and 6th Street, would consist of a four-story building featuring 40 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments atop 6,221 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 93 parking spaces on three subterranean levels. Plans call for setting aside three apartments as affordable housing at the extremely-low-income level.

Santa Monica-based KFA Architecture is designing the low-rise structure, which would rise to an apex of 50 feet. The proposed building is described as featuring a contemporary look, with open space amenities intended for its second floor and roof level.

A staff report to the ARB recommends that the project at 601 Wilshire receive approval.

WS Communities, a spinoff of NMS Properties, is behind numerous planned residential developments in Santa Monica. The company recently broke ground on a five-story, 100-unit apartment building at the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Colorado Avenue.

The 601 Wilshire development is planned just one block east of the new Santa Monica Proper Hotel, which is scheduled to make its debut in early 2019.