Peace Village

Peace Village, a ground-breaking architectural endeavor, emerges as an answer to the pressing housing issue in Santa Cruz. With a staggering 63% of renters burdened by housing costs exceeding 30% of their income, this project steps forward to bolster the supply of rental housing and affordable units on the serene grounds of the Peace United Church of Christ.

Aerial map highlighting a project and church site near Westlake Elementary in an urban neighborhood. The map shows labeled locations including faculty housing, single family housing, Westlake Park, and routes to UCSC and Highway 1. Streets are named, such as High Street and Moore Street.

Location

Santa Cruz, California

Scale

Total Project Area: 42,759 SF
Residential: 29,690 SF
Units: 40 Units including studios, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom
2 Floors consisting of 7 units of co-living with 4-5 bedrooms.

Status

Seeking Entitlement & Investment

Expertise

Project Funding, Density Bonus, SB330, AB1287, AB 2097

The design divides the existing parcel into two, with the northern parcel of approximately 87,000 square feet. The existing church consists of three existing buildings on sloped site located in a single family neighborhood next to a university of California.

Rising to the challenge of unifying design and experience across the site, the new building artfully aligns with the existing church structures. A neutral material palette, sawtooth balconies, and a white and cream stucco exterior integrate with the surrounding architectural context. The battens along the railings not only serve as sunshades but also draw inspiration from the on-site tree palette and filter light in a similar manner, reinforcing the dedication to both aesthetics and sustainability.

Modern three-story apartment building with balconies, surrounded by greenery, people walking and cycling, and parked cars in a parking lot.
Modern four-story apartment building with balconies and people outside, surrounded by greenery.

Adding density, preserving open space

The thoughtful composition of these units was designed to blend with the natural surroundings and preserve existing views over the site to Monterey Bay. The L-shaped building footprint, with one leg parallel to the slope and the other stepping up the hillside, ensures the preservation of open spaces, mature trees, and trail access. The low-profile design also safeguards the views of neighboring residences on the hillside above the project.

Apartment floor plan showing studios, two-bedroom units, co-living spaces, leasing office, elevator, stairs, bike parking, and package room.

Floorplans for versatility

This design includes a wide range of floor plans and sizes providing homes co-living to three bedroom.

Working with the clients we developed an L-shaped building ranging in height from 3-4 stories. Site wide, this denser design mimics the density of the single family neighborhood, while preserving open space, trees, and trail access.

Peace United Church will maintain its well-used Church Sanctuary Building, Fellowship Hall, and active Preschool facilities. The housing component of this project gracefully unfolds behind the church structures, ascending the natural hillside and providing harmony amongst the organizations buildings and outdoor resources.

3D architectural model of a multi-story building and surrounding structures on a grassy hill.

Peace Village is poised to help transform Santa Cruz's housing landscape, offering a haven that respects tradition, embraces nature, and supports the local community. This project stands as a beacon of innovation and progress in the face of a critical societal challenge.

Modern multi-story apartment building with balconies, surrounded by greenery and parked cars in a parking area.

Floorplans

Architectural site plan and massing study showing proposed building layout with site analysis and wind direction indicators.
Architectural floor plans for the fifth and sixth floors of a building, showing various unit layouts with color-coded sections, including split-level and single-level units, circulation paths, stairs, elevator, and trash room.
Architectural floor plan showing two levels of a building with labeled areas for co-living units, amenity space, residential entry lobby, package room, and bike storage. Includes color-coded sections and directional markings.
Architectural floor plan showing the layout of a building's third and fourth floors, with color-coded sections indicating various unit types, circulation spaces, stairs & elevators, and trash rooms. The third floor is on the left and the fourth floor

Elevations

Architectural cross-section drawings of a multi-level building, showing interior layouts including rooms, corridors, stairs, and amenities across different floors, labeled Section 1 and Section 2.
Architectural elevation drawings showing northeast and north views of a multi-story building with detailed measurements and labels.
Architectural elevation drawing showing the northwest and southeast views of a multi-story building, including labeled levels and structural elements like downspouts. The design features external balconies and multiple floors with detailed measuremen
Landscape design plan with various plant images and structures for inspiration, including a pergola, garden beds, and seating area.
Architectural materials featuring cementitious panel, stucco in cream and sand colors, wood or wood-look battens, dark metal channel and lighting, wood look soffit and lighting, perforated corrugated metal roof screen, storefront curtain wall glazed
Architectural site analysis and plan showing proposed building layout, wind direction, and elevation. Includes massing study from the street and detailed map with labels for features like views, entries, and existing structures. Compass shows north d
Architectural facade study for a building labeled "Option H" featuring schematic elevations in different color blocks, a site plan indicating co-living space, staggered balconies, and an illustration with landscaping.
Diagram showing property layout with Peace Village Church, Peace Village Housing, and existing housing along High Street.
Aerial map labeled 'Peace Village' with text 'Design to Cluster Housing'. Key points listed: Financially viable with affordability, Maximize setbacks, Preserve open space, Preserve views, Environmental sustainability. 'High Street' mentioned on the m

Consultants

Civil: C2G/Civil Consultants Group, Inc.
Landscape Architecture: Form/Work Landscape Architecture
Geotech: Dees & Associates
Geo: Zinn Geology
Arborist: Kurt Fouts

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