Art Museum Part of Project

An art museum is part of a $7-million restaurant-office-retail complex under construction at the site of the former Edgemar Farms egg-processing plant at 2435 Main St.

The project is a joint venture by Sher Development of Santa Monica and Terranomics of San Francisco, which are underwriting museum construction costs and rental expenses for five years, according to developer Abby Sher. The nonprofit Santa Monica Museum of Art will rely on memberships, contributions and grants for continuing support, he said.

The project includes 15,000 square feet of retail space, 8,000 square feet of offices, a 75-seat restaurant and 105 parking spaces. Construction is expected to be completed late this year and the museum is scheduled to open next spring, Sher said.

The site was originally occupied by the Imperial Ice Co., which was built in 1908. The ice company warehouse with its 25-foot ceilings will be preserved and renovated for the museum, said architect Frank O. Gehry.