Stanford Studios

The Stanford Studios project proposes housing that is affordable by design and utilizes prefabricated modular construction techniques in a way that maximizes building articulation and creates a distinct building identity that reflects the character of the Midtown neighborhood of Santa Cruz. This project aims to provide attainable housing for individuals who plan to adopt a car-free lifestyle in a centralized location well served by public transportation and bicycle infrastructure.

 

LOCATION

Santa Cruz, California

Scale

120 Studios,
15 Units Per Floor
95% Multifamily Housing
5% Retail
35,688 SF

STATUS

In Development

Services

Architecture, Development, Pro-Forma

Expertise

SB330, Density-Bonus

Modern multi-story apartment building with white and wood paneling, adjacent green lawn, man playing with a dog, surrounded by trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

From aging, disused commercial to thriving neighborhood

The existing building on the site are dilapidated and are a blight on this neighborhood of Santa Cruz. The site is located within walking distance to many public amenities like grocery stores, pharmacies, shopping areas and restaurants. The surrounding bicycle infrastructure and public transportation makes this an ideal location to house students, young working professionals and retirees that want to enjoy all that Santa Cruz without relying on a car.

Modern building with "Midtown Bistro" signage, glass windows, green plants on facade, trees along sidewalk, and people walking by.

A 4-story studio housing project that seeks to maximize housing while encouraging residents to adopt a car-free lifestyle. The project seeks to contribute to the midtown neighborhood of Santa Cruz by improving the pedestrian experience and bringing daylight and greenery to the base of the building and building.

  • Provide a housing format that is affordable to people within the community

  • Support the Santa Cruz Housing Blueprint Subcommittee recommendations by creating smaller unit housing so families can occupy homes where students and retirees currently reside.

  • Create a highly articulated massing for playful light and shadows, creates a unique identity that aligns with the character of Midtown Santa Cruz, and activates the pedestrian experience.

  • Selecting a materials palette that recognizes the prevailing architectural style and reflects the "Santa Cruz-an Style" in a contemporary way.

Modern building exterior with "Stanford Studios" sign, large windows, greenery, and people walking by. A "Midtown Bistro" is visible at the corner.

Site & Sensitivity

Utilizing prefabricated modular construction helps to increase materials efficiency, reduce on-site construction waste, and increase the speed of construction to minimize the impact on the neighborhood. Adjusting the building massing to maximize daylight to the residents and adjacent neighbors also creates opportunities for terraces and roof decks, allowing all residents to have an opportunity to connect with nature.

Modern multi-story building with large windows, greenery, and a street view. A person walks a dog on the sidewalk, while others are inside a brightly lit bistro on the ground floor.
Modern apartment building with "Stanford Studios" sign, featuring large windows and outdoor greenery, and people walking along the street.
Modern multi-story residential building with white and wood paneling, covered entrance with bicycles parked, people walking on the sidewalk, and surrounding trees.
Modern apartment building exterior with illuminated windows, a bistro on the ground floor, and people walking and cycling outside at dusk.
Modern four-story apartment building with geometric design and white facade, surrounded by trees. A person playing fetch with a dog in the grassy area in the foreground.
Modern multi-story building with Midtown Bistro, featuring large windows, greenery on façade, and sidewalk with pedestrians.
Aerial view of a suburban area with residential houses, commercial buildings, streets, parking lots, and green spaces.
Aerial view of an urban area featuring residential houses, commercial buildings, a parking lot, and a street with vehicles. A schoolyard with playground equipment and a basketball court is visible in the foreground.

Consultants

Civil: Ifland Engineering
Landscape Architecture: Megan Bishop, MBLA

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