A 38-unit apartment building is expected at 844 and 850 Almar Ave. in Santa Cruz. (Photo illustration by CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development)
Last updated: July 2025
Project name: Almar Village
Location: 844, 850 Almar Ave.
A triangular, vacant lot is bounded by Almar Avenue, Rankin Street and the Coastal Rail Trail. The Parish Publick House and a Safeway shopping center are across Almar Avenue.
Status
- Construction started in summer 2025.
Project timeline
- The Santa Cruz Zoning Administrator on Aug. 7, 2024 approved a design permit, coastal permit and density bonus request.
- Developers submitted an application to the city April 9 and presented the project at a May 7 community meeting.
Developer
San Diego-based CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development.
The lot at Almar Avenue and Rankin Street is 0.91 acres. A three-story building and surface parking are expected. (CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development)
Project description
- Total units: 38. A plan set submitted to the city in July 2024 includes 23 two-bedroom units and 15 three-bedroom units. A previous version of the project called for 42 units.
- Affordable units: 38. Twelve units on the ground floor would be designed to be accessible or adaptable to people with disabilities.
- Parking: 38 spaces with access from Almar Avenue. State laws does not require any new parking because the project is within one-half mile of a major transit stop.
- Height: 36 feet.
- Lot size: 0.91 acres.
- Details: An outdoor plaza and a children’s play area are planned. It’s not yet clear if the play area would be public or private.
An apartment complex is expected at Almar Avenue and Rankin Street in Santa Cruz. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local)
Proposed apartments at Almar Avenue and Rankin Street are across from a Safeway-anchored shopping center. (Photo illustration by CRP Affordable Housing and Community Development)
The lot has been used for temporary equipment storage during road work and running races on nearby streets. (Stephen Baxter — Santa Cruz Local)
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