Last updated: Nov. 17, 2022

Project name: Pacific Station

  • Project: Pacific Station is expected to redevelop the Downtown Santa Cruz bus station with two projects: Pacific Station North and Pacific Station South. There will be up to 164 affordable units above ground-floor commercial space. The proposal includes a new downtown Pacific Station Metro bus station and medical office space.
  • Location: At Pacific Avenue and Front Street, where the current Downtown bus station stands. The bus station would reorient to face Front Street.
  • Status: The project’s official groundbreaking took place on May 19, 2022. Construction is expected to be completed by early 2024.
  • Short background: The Santa Cruz City Council approved the two projects to be streamlined. The votes were in January 2021 and August 2020. Both projects also received coastal permits from the Zoning Administrator. State law AB2162 allows affordable housing to be streamlined.
  • Developer: Nonprofit developers For the Future Housing (Pacific Station South) and First Community Housing (Pacific Station North).

A 100% affordable housing project is planned on Pacific Avenue at the site of the downtown Santa Cruz bus station. (For the Future Housing)

A seven-story building with 70 affordable units is being constructed on the south part of the Santa Cruz Metro bus station lot on Oct. 19, 2022. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local)

Project description

  • Total units: This project includes a total of up to 164 affordable units above ground-floor commercial space. The proposal includes a new downtown Pacific Station Metro bus station and medical office space.
  • Affordable units: All housing units would be affordable. City leaders have split this project into two: Pacific Station North and Pacific Station South.
    • Pacific Station North (between Pacific Avenue and Front Street, north of Maple Alley): A seven-story building with 94 affordable units with offices, stores and the Santa Cruz Metro office and bus ticket windows. The project also includes up to 22 bus bays and a canopy. Elm Alley would cut through the site.
    • Pacific Station South (between Pacific Avenue and Front Street, south of Maple Alley): A seven-story building with 70 affordable units above ground-floor stores or restaurants. A medical office is also planned. Housing units are a mix of studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.
    • It’s possible the number of units and bedrooms could change as funding is determined.
  • Height: Seven stories for Pacific Station South and Pacific Station North.
  • Details: The project does not include on-site parking. State law allows developers of affordable housing projects like these to not build any parking. No parking requirements make affordable housing projects easier and cheaper to build, but adds responsibility on parking districts to meet demand.

The property now has bus lanes from Pacific Avenue to Front Street. (City of Santa Cruz)

Plans call for 164 homes. (For the Future Housing)

Stay on top of this construction project and more.

Sign up free to get Santa Cruz Local in your inbox twice a week. We dig into Santa Cruz County's biggest issues.

Read more:

How to make your voice heard: submit comments and questions on the City of Santa Cruz project application page for Pacific Station North and Pacific Station South.

Read about other notable housing and construction projects in Santa Cruz County.