Santa Monica wants Broad art

The Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to launch formal negotiations with philanthropist Eli Broad to secure the land for a museum he intends to build for his contemporary art collection.

In a report, City Manager P. Lamont Ewell proposes that Broad build on 2 1/2 acres of city-owned land next to the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. He also calls for the city to lease the land to Broad’s foundation for a “token” amount, to supply about $1 million for design and construction, to provide parking and to plant and maintain the exterior landscaping.

Beverly Hills and an undisclosed third city are also in the running.

-- Yvonne Villarreal