Santa Cruz breaks ground on downtown affordable housing project

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) - The city of Santa Cruz is marking a major milestone by breaking ground on a new development that aims to deliver much-needed affordable housing and create a cultural hub.

The Downtown Library's affordable housing project has been in the works for years, standing on what was once a parking lot.

It will feature 124 apartment units, a modern public library, a childcare facility, and commercial space.

Eden Housing says the units will be affordable for families earning between 30 and 60 percent of the county's median income, meaning a one-bedroom can be as low as $975 a month to up to more than $2,000.

There will also be a public parking garage to serve the downtown retail community.

The weekly Farmer's Market that currently happens on Wednesdays at the project site will move to another permanent home downtown.

The project is expected to be complete by early 2028.