Read about other notable projects on Santa Cruz Local’s Housing and Construction resource page.

A seven- and eight-story, 276-unit rental housing complex is proposed at Front Street and Soquel Avenue in Downtown Santa Cruz. (Swenson Builder)

Last updated: April 2023

Project name: 530 Front St., Santa Cruz

Location: Corner of Soquel Avenue and Front Street in the former Wells Fargo home mortgage building.

Status: The Santa Cruz City Council approved the project at its meeting on April 25, 2023.

Developer: Swenson Builder

Project description:

  • Total residential units: 276 units including 169 studios, 102 one-bedroom units, and 5 two-bedroom units. All units will be rentals.
  • Affordable units: Twenty-eight units are expected for “very low” income renters and nine units for low-income renters. Income limits are set by the state annually.
  • Height: The buildings are seven and eight stories up to 89 feet.
  • Details: The project calls for two wings that are eight stories and another wing that is seven stories. It includes:
    • A rooftop garden and two private courtyards for residents.
    • A ground-level garage with an electronic stacking system for 181 cars.
    • Residential parking space for 372 bikes in private storage lockers and a communal storage space.
    • An outside bike rack for visitors with six spaces.
    • Nearly 7,000 square feet for businesses and a restaurant.

A Wells Fargo home mortgage bank was at 530 Front St. before its proposed redevelopment. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local file)

The planned development includes a landscaped area adjoining the San Lorenzo River levee with public seating, a bocce ball court and a terraced lawn. (Swenson Builder)

A planned eight-story building at 530 Front St. would include a public deck. (Swenson Builder)

A rendering shows pedestrian and bike paths to connect with the Santa Cruz Riverwalk. (Swenson Builder)

A rendering shows a proposed project at 530 Front St. in Santa Cruz. (Swenson Builder)

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: