222 E Cypress Avenue

On January 21, 2025, the City Council approved the purchase of the Real Property located at 222 E Cypress Ave. The home is a single-family, two-story structure, built in 1892.  The  property is  a 32,514-square-foot lot that is currently undeveloped. The City purchased the property for several reasons:

• Development opportunities consistent with low-income goals established by the City
• The preservation of the 2,736 square foot home that has important factors that could lead to consideration for potential Historic Landmark Status

On April 15, 2025, City Council approved the City's participation in the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) Affordable Housing Incubator Program to evaluate options related to the 222 E Cypress Avenue Project. 

On October 21, 2025, the SVGCOG, along with Studio One Eleven, which conducted a feasibility study, presented to the City Council with potential affordable housing development opportunities at the site: the Save Everything Scheme, the Bungalow Court Scheme, and the Hybrid Scheme. During this meeting, City Council expressed their preference for the Save Everything Scheme:

The Save Everything Scheme

Preserve the home, two large oak trees, a mature tree, and build 13 affordable housing units (mix of 1 and 2-story units) and install 13 parking stalls.

Following the October 21, 2025 meeting, the City Council sought public input on the site's goals and vision, and an online survey was launched shortly thereafter. During a final Study Session with the City Council on March 17, 2026, staff received direction to work with Studio One Eleven to develop a set of land use regulations that achieved the following six goals:

1. Preserve the Victorian-era residence constructed circa 1892 as a permanent on-site historic resource and ensure its integration as a prominent and valued feature of any future development of the site; 
2. Enable compatible infill residential development, with an affordable component, at a density and configuration that is financially feasible while remaining respectful of the surrounding low-density residential neighborhood character;
3. Advance the City of Monrovia’s housing goals by establishing a regulatory framework that supports development of new housing on a City-owned site, consistent with the City’s Housing Element; 
4. Protect mature trees that contribute to the neighborhood character and the historic setting of the Victorian structure; 
5. Ensure that new construction is compatible in scale and character with the surrounding Residential Low-zoned neighborhood, particularly along the site perimeter; and 
6. Provide a clear, objective land use regulatory framework.

On May 13, 2026, the Planning Commission held a study session to discuss the proposed draft land-use regulations (Draft Planned Development – Area 30 standards).  These standards are intended to establish a site-specific regulatory framework that enables compatible infill housing development while preserving the existing Victorian-era structure. 

Request for Proposals (RFP)

On July 9, 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to identify and select a qualified development partner to develop mixed-income housing on this site. The City seeks a team with proven experience in designing and constructing high-quality residential projects that advance the housing objectives of the City’s Housing Element and are responsive to the draft Planned Development land use framework currently under consideration by the City Council. The selected Developer will work with the City to create a development that delivers housing, preserves the existing Victorian-era building on site, and complements the existing neighborhood.

RFP Process: The City is working in partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments (SGVCOG) to facilitate the submission of proposals through PlanetBids. To access the RFP, please visit the following link: https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/15588/bo/bo-detail/143855. Note that all prospective bidders must create a Vendor registration profile on PlanetBids in order to participate in the RFP process. Registration can be completed here: https://vendors.planetbids.com/portal/15588/vp/vp-prereg

Proposal Due Date: Proposals are due electronically through PlanetBids portal before 6:00 PM on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

RFP Schedule: The City anticipates the following schedule for certain activities in relation to this RFP. The City reserves the right to modify this schedule at any time at its sole discretion.

Funding

This project is funded by a combination of Measure K and a grant awarded to the City of Monrovia. $1,530,000 in Measure K funds were used to purchase the property in Spring 2025. You can learn more about Measure K here. Also, the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments awarded the City of Monrovia nearly $160,000 to study the site for the possibility of creating additional affordable housing, preserving the historic structure, and assisting with the entitlement review process.

Feedback

City Council would like to hear from the community about their goals and visions for the property! Please fill out the brief survey below and share your thoughts. 

Supporting Documents 

• 222 E Cypress Ave Purchase and Sale Agreement 
• SGVCOG Housing Incubator Program 
• 222 E Cypress Site Ave Feasibility Study 
• 222 E Cypress Ave Draft PD-30 Development Standards

222 E Cypress Ave Feedback Form