A six-story hotel is proposed for 324 Front St. in Downtown Santa Cruz. (BCV Architecture + Interiors)

Last updated: October 2023

Project name: The Cruz Hotel

Location: 324 Front St. 

Front and Laurel streets downtown. Part of the property is now a city parking lot.

Status

As of October 2023, city officials had not received a complete application from the developer for review. 

The Santa Cruz City Council approved the start of a potential sale of two publicly-owned parcels to a developer for a proposed high-end hotel. The resolution does not guarantee the land sale. In September 2021, the Santa Cruz Community Credit Union sold its building at 324 Front St. to the developer for $6 million, according to county records.

Developer

SCFS Venture, a New York-based company affiliated with New York-based hotel real estate investor Eagle Point Hotel Partners and Santa Cruz-based developer Owen Lawlor of Lawlor Land Use.

Project description

  • Total rooms: The proposed hotel would have 228 rooms.
  • Height: 6 stories.
  • Details: The project includes:
    • 228 rooms.
    • Retail and cafe space on Front Street.
    • Meeting rooms and a ballroom.
    • A restaurant and bar that opens to the San Lorenzo Riverwalk.
    • A gym, spa and rooftop pool.
    • The developer would be required to build a public walkway that connects Front Street and the Riverwalk on another city lot just north of the proposed hotel.

A parking lot at Front and Laurel streets is part of a planned hotel project. (Brian Phan — Santa Cruz Local)

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How to make your voice heard

Submit comments and questions on the City of Santa Cruz project page for 324 Front St.

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