Ocean Avenue South and Tongva Park projects in Santa Monica

A sedate seaside stretch of downtown Santa Monica is about to get busy as a sprawling residential and retail complex and a 6-acre city park are nearing completion along increasingly tony Ocean Avenue. Under development for several years, the two big projects within sight of the ocean are part of a push by officials to enliven the city’s Civic Center district south of the Santa Monica Freeway around City Hall. The area has been pretty much a dead zone for decades compared to the bustling commercial district a stone’s throw to the north around Santa Monica Pier and the prosperous hotel, retail and residential neighborhood to the west and south.

Brooke Badger looks out at the ocean and mountain views from the Ocean Avenue South project, which is being built by Related Cos. The $350-million condominium and apartment complex will rise over stores and restaurants.   (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Electrician Hector Penaloza works on the roof of one of the condo developments. The units, which have just gone up for sale, start at $800,000.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

The 6-acre Tongva Park -- named after an early local Indian tribe -- was designed by the creators of New York’s popular new High Line park and is set to open in the fall.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)