701 South Myrtle Ave.
701 SOUTH MYRTLE AVENUE
MONROVIA, CALIFORNIA
Proposed Project Overview
Introduction
Blake Griggs Properties (“BGP”) is a California-based real estate development firm whose principals collectively bring more than 40 years of experience delivering residential, mixed-use, and commercial projects throughout the Western United States.
BGP is advancing the fully entitled redevelopment of 701 S. Myrtle Avenue in Monrovia—a five-story, mixed-use community approved to strengthen the connection between Old Town and the Station Square Transit Village. The approved project includes 204 rental apartment homes featuring contemporary design, high-quality finishes, and a comprehensive suite of resident amenities.
The development also delivers street-front commercial space, a publicly accessible plaza, and enhanced sidewalk improvements, reinforcing an active pedestrian environment. Together, these elements implement the City’s long-term vision for the South Myrtle Avenue Corridor and the Old Town Extension District, contributing to a more connected, walkable, and vibrant urban neighborhood.
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701 S. Myrtle:
Inspired by Old Town, Designed for Today
Blake Griggs Properties is advancing a fully entitled mixed-use development at 701 S. Myrtle Avenue, approved by the City of Monrovia on December 2, 2025. The approved project delivers a thoughtfully designed building that strengthens the connection between Monrovia’s historic Old Town and the City’s growing Station Square Transit Village.
Located at the southwest corner of West Olive Avenue and South Myrtle Avenue, the site lies within the Old Town Extension District, one of three districts that comprise the South Myrtle Avenue Corridor. This corridor was established through Monrovia’s 2008 General Plan update to guide the evolution of South Myrtle Avenue into a more walkable, vibrant, mixed-use environment—reinforcing the link between Old Town and the City’s transit infrastructure.
Historically characterized by light industrial and office uses, the Old Town Extension District is transitioning into a natural extension of Old Town. The City’s long-term vision for the area encourages development that blends residential, retail, and commercial uses to support walkability, local businesses, and an active street presence.
The 701 S. Myrtle project implements this vision through a five-story, architecturally refined building that received full discretionary approvals following a detailed review of land use, design, and neighborhood context. Architectural massing, materials, and detailing draw directly from Old Town’s historic character, ensuring compatibility with the surrounding area. Upon completion, the project will introduce new homes and neighborhood-serving uses within walking and biking distance of downtown Monrovia and the Metro Gold Line station—supporting a connected, livable, and economically vibrant community.
Proposed Development
701 S. Myrtle is a thoughtfully planned, fully entitled mixed-use community designed to reflect the character of Monrovia’s Old Town while meeting the needs of a growing, connected city. The approved project includes 204 rental apartment homes, offering a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences ranging from approximately 490 to 1,070 square feet.
The community incorporates 20 deed-restricted affordable homes integrated throughout the building, including 17 units reserved for low-income households and 3 units reserved for moderate-income households. These homes are secured under a long-term affordability covenant and provided in accordance with California’s State Density Bonus Law.
Resident and guest parking is fully accommodated on-site, with two levels of subterranean parking totaling 329 stalls. This design minimizes impacts on surrounding streets, supports walkability, and exceeds parking requirements permitted under the State Density Bonus Law. The building is organized in a podium configuration, with residential units located above and shared amenities and common areas situated at the ground level.
Consistent with Monrovia’s environmental priorities, the project incorporates California-compliant water systems and drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate landscaping, reducing long-term water demand while complementing the surrounding urban setting.
The five-story building has been carefully scaled to fit within the evolving South Myrtle Avenue Corridor. In select locations, architectural elements extend above the roofline to enhance building articulation and screen mechanical equipment, contributing to both functional efficiency and a cohesive architectural expression.
Site Context Map
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Resident Amenities
701 S. Myrtle is designed to deliver a complete residential living experience, with thoughtfully curated indoor and outdoor spaces that support wellness, connection, and everyday comfort.
Indoor amenities include:
- A welcoming residential lobby and mail room
- A fully equipped fitness center
- A fifth-floor clubhouse and hearth room designed for relaxing, gathering, and entertaining
- A professional on-site leasing office
In total, the community provides more than 7,700 square feet of indoor amenity space, offering residents year-round functionality and comfort.
Outdoor spaces are equally central to the experience, with over 17,500 square feet of shared outdoor areas, including:
- A spacious second-floor courtyard featuring a resort-style swimming pool
- A landscaped courtyard known as The Retreat, designed for quieter outdoor enjoyment
- A rooftop deck offering expansive views and additional lounge space
- An outdoor dining area, or “California Room,” ideal for open-air meals and social gatherings
- A ground-level dog park located along the western edge of the site, supporting pet-friendly living
In addition, every residence from the second through fifth floors includes a private balcony or patio, providing residents with dedicated personal outdoor space and reinforcing indoor–outdoor living throughout the community.
Environmental Review (CEQA Compliance)
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City of Monrovia prepared and certified a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 701 S. Myrtle Specific Plan (State Clearinghouse No. 2023120051).
The EIR evaluated the project’s potential environmental impacts across all required topic areas and identified mitigation measures to avoid or reduce significant effects. Acting as the lead agency under CEQA, the City oversaw the preparation, public review, and certification of the EIR and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable environmental requirements.
Following project approval, the City filed a Notice of Determination (NOD) with the Los Angeles County Clerk on December 3, 2025, formally concluding the CEQA process.
As part of the certified EIR, a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) was adopted to ensure that all required mitigation measures are implemented during construction and operation of the project, consistent with CEQA and the City’s approval actions.
Faqs
Blake Griggs Properties (“BGP”) is the developer, owner’s construction representative, and long-term asset manager for 701 S. Myrtle. BGP is responsible for overseeing the project through design, approvals, construction, and lease-up. BGP is committed to creating a high-quality residential community that reflects the vision of the City of Monrovia.
The project includes 204 total apartment homes, including:
20 Studio Units
147 One-Bedroom Units
37 Two-Bedroom Units
Apartments will range in size from 490 to 1,070 square feet. All upper-level homes (floors 2–5) include a private balcony or patio.
Note: Final unit mix and sizes may be refined based on final building design or market conditions.
The new building is designed to be five stories tall, with a height of 65 feet measured from average grade. In limited areas, architectural projections and rooftop screening elements may exceed the 65-foot height, though these are set back from the street to reduce visual impact. The design includes step-backs and materials selected to reflect the scale and character of Old Town Monrovia.
As a market-driven developer, BGP will set rents based on predominant market rates when the project is completed. Rents will vary by floor, views, and unit type.
In addition to market-rate units, the project includes 20 income-restricted affordable apartment homes:
17 homes for low-income households
3 homes for moderate-income households
Affordable units will be rent-restricted under a long-term regulatory agreement and priced based on the applicable income limits for Los Angeles County.
With all discretionary approvals now in place, the project is advancing through pre-construction activities. Construction is anticipated to begin approximately 12–15 months following project approvals, with an estimated construction duration of 26–30 months. Initial residential occupancy is expected to occur shortly after construction is completed.
701 S. Myrtle brings a range of public and community benefits, including:
- 20 affordable housing units integrated throughout the building
- Significant pedestrian improvements, including widened sidewalks and a public plaza
- Two levels of underground parking, with 329 total spaces, minimizing on-street parking impacts
- Increased foot traffic and new demand generated by neighboring residents to support Old Town businesses
- New housing near transit, connecting residents to jobs, shops, and services
- Environmentally responsible design, including drought-tolerant landscaping and water-efficient systems
- Payment of impact fees to support local infrastructure, parks, and public services
The community is designed with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor amenities for residents, including:
- Resort-style pool with cabanas
- Rooftop deck with seating and skyline views
- Fitness center
- Clubhouse and hearth room
- Dog park
- Landscaped courtyards including “The Retreat” and the California Room
- Private patios or balconies for most homes
- Secure bike storage and EV-ready parking
Together, the project includes over 25,000 square feet of shared amenity space.
Contact
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to:
- Scott Griggs - Development Manager
- sgriggs@blakegriggs.com