Local music venue The Catalyst has been in the building on Pacific Avenue for more than 50 years. (Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local)

SANTA CRUZ >> The Catalyst nightclub in Downtown Santa Cruz could be demolished and relocated to the bottom floor of a seven-story building with 64 condominiums, according to a pre-application for the project submitted to the city Nov. 5. The iconic music venue has operated at the space since the 1970s and over the years has hosted countless local bands and several big names like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day and Neil Young.

Stay informed on Santa Cruz County’s biggest issues.

Santa Cruz Local’s newsletter breaks down complex local topics and shows residents how to get involved.

The pre-application, from Mountain View-based developer GSH Ventures, does not include the size of the units, or how many would be offered below market rent. The building’s proposed size would likely require developers to use state laws that grant a “density bonus” to developers that provide a certain amount of below-market-rate housing.

The new building would replace the Catalyst’s existing building, and would wrap around the Old School Shoes store at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Cathcart Street. The properties at 1009, 1011 and 1015 Pacific Ave. were listed for sale for $4.5 million earlier this year. That listing has since been removed.

Contact city planners with comments or questions.

A rendering shows a proposed seven-story apartment building where the Catalyst Nightclub and Starving Musician music store currently stand on pacific Avenue. (Humphrey’s and Partners Architects)

More Santa Cruz housing news

Questions or comments? Email [email protected]. Santa Cruz Local is supported by members, major donors, sponsors and grants for the general support of our newsroom. Our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support. Learn more about Santa Cruz Local and how we are funded.

Learn about membership
Santa Cruz Local’s news is free. We believe that high-quality local news is crucial to democracy. We depend on locals like you to make a meaningful contribution so everyone can access our news.
Learn about membership

Reporter |  + posts

Jesse Kathan is a staff reporter for Santa Cruz Local. They hold a master's degree in science communications from UC Santa Cruz.