Santa Maria's downtown is on the brink of a significant transformation, with plans for new multi-story mixed-use buildings that will bring housing, businesses, and entertainment to the area. Developers are collaborating with the city to revitalize underutilized parking lots, creating vibrant common spaces, plazas, and fountains where residents can gather to enjoy food, drinks, and entertainment.

The Gateway Project, located at the corner of Main Street and Broadway, marks the beginning of this exciting development phase. This project will feature ground-floor businesses with two floors of apartments above, setting the stage for a more walkable and livable downtown. In 2024, the Santa Maria City Council approved a sales and disposition agreement with the Vernon Group to sell city property for future development, including the remaining corners of Main Street and Bridal.

The planned developments include 162 units of affordable housing on the northeast corner and the five-story Alvin Newton Apartments with 82 units on the southeast corner. Additionally, another private mixed-use project is proposed to replace the southwest corner with 375 units. In total, 620 new apartment units are planned for the corners of Main and Broadway, with 25% designated as affordable housing.

The Vernon Group is also set to transform the old Mervyns Follas Building into a multi-story complex featuring 104 residential spaces, while the Heritage Walk Lofts are expected to break ground in 2025. Another proposed development, the Cook Street Apartments, will add six stories of 104 residential units next to the mall parking structure.

To support this growth, the city is applying for grants to update essential infrastructure, including water and sewer pipes, to accommodate the projected construction. These initiatives align with the City of Santa Maria's downtown specific plan, which aims to enhance multimodal connectivity and safety along busy thoroughfares. This comprehensive approach reflects the city's commitment to developing a smart and safe community for its residents.