A proposal at 831 Water St. in Santa Cruz would include 140 new homes. (Lowney Architecture)
Last updated: January 2025
Project name: 831 Water St. housing project
Location: 831 Water St., Santa Cruz
The site at North Branciforte Avenue and Water Street currently has a strip mall including DJ’s Mini Mart and a car wash.
Status
- The Santa Cruz Planning Commission in December 2024 approved a proposal for a 100% below-market-rate building with 140 homes.
- The window for appeal has closed and the project requires no approval from the Santa Cruz City Council.
Developer
Walnut Creek-based Novin Development is the developer.
Project description
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- Total units: 139 below-market-rate units and one manager’s unit.
- Height: Five stories, 53 feet.
- Studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.
- 43 underground parking spaces.
- A roof deck.
- Shops and businesses on the ground floor, including four “live/work” residential units that include space for business.
A four- and five-story building with underground parking is planned at 831 Water St. (Lowney Architecture)
An earlier version of the project included two buildings, 145 units, and 50% market-rate and 50% below-market-rate homes. It was approved by the Santa Cruz City Council in December 2021.
Read more
- Santa Cruz council advances 831 Water St. housing project — Dec. 14, 2021
- 831 Water St. housing project to be reconsidered by Santa Cruz council — Nov. 23, 2021
- Housing project at 831 Water St. blocked by Santa Cruz council — Oct. 13, 2021
- Santa Cruz council delays vote on 831 Water St. — Sept. 14, 2021
- Smaller apartment complex proposed at 831 Water St. in Santa Cruz — Aug. 13, 2021
- Water Street apartment proposal divides Santa Cruz residents — Jan. 31, 2021
- City of Santa Cruz 831 Water St. project page
- Housing Santa Cruz County’s 831 Water St. project page
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