On Tuesday, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a 50,000-square-foot project that will cost $141 million, including finance costs. The excuse given for the extremely high cost ($2820/square foot) is that the building will be "sustainable" and be a candidate to win Green awards. $100 to $200 a foot are common figures for construction estimators.

Read More: http://www.smobserved.com/story/2017/01/26/news/city-approves-141000000-city-hall-annex/2538.html

and

http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2017/January-2017/01_26_2017_Council_Rejects_Appeal_of_75_Million_Santa_Monica_City_Hall_Annex.html