1320 Pacific
Santa Cruz, CA
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1320 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA
senior AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The proposed project is a new seven-story mixed-use building featuring ground-floor commercial space with five levels of affordable senior housing above. Located at 1320 Pacific Avenue in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, the development will serve as a key infill project consistent with the City’s General Plan, zoning regulations, and urban design goals.
Situated within the Central Business District on a prime downtown parcel, the project is designed to strengthen the urban fabric along Pacific Avenue by replacing an underutilized structure with a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented building. The proposed massing and architectural character have been shaped to comply with the City's Downtown Design Standards and Guidelines, ensuring compatibility with neighboring properties while enhancing the visual experience of the street.
The ground floor includes retail and commercial space facing Pacific Avenue, providing active storefronts that will maintain a lively streetscape and support downtown commerce. The residential levels above consist of 34 senior housing units along with a range of shared amenities, including a laundry room, bike storage, community room, and private open-space areas. The top floor features landscaped common areas and outdoor terraces to provide residents with light, air, and recreation opportunities.
Each residential level contains a mix of studio and one-bedroom units arranged around centralized corridors and elevator cores. Mechanical, trash, and service spaces are thoughtfully integrated to support efficient building operations while minimizing visual impact. Parking and service access are located behind the building to maintain an uninterrupted pedestrian frontage along Pacific Avenue.
Overall, the project delivers a thoughtfully designed mixed-use building that provides much-needed affordable senior housing, contributes to the economic vitality of downtown, and aligns with the City of Santa Cruz’s goals for sustainable, transit-oriented urban development.
Highlights
The project delivers 34 deeply affordable senior units in a walkable, transit-rich location, providing older adults with safe, stable housing close to essential services and community amenities.
By introducing new ground-floor commercial space and a thoughtfully designed pedestrian frontage, the development enhances downtown vibrancy and supports local businesses while strengthening the urban streetscape.
The building’s massing, materials, and architectural character comply with the City’s Downtown Design Standards, blending seamlessly with surrounding development and improving the overall visual and functional quality of the Pacific Avenue corridor.
