201 Front Street

The City of Santa Cruz has issued a forecast for the 201 Front Street project, located in the Central Business District Subdistrict E, Coastal Zone Overlay, and Floodplain Overlay within the South of Laurel Area District. The project involves the demolition of an existing commercial building and the construction of an eight-story mixed-use building. This new development will feature approximately 12,000 square feet of ground floor commercial space, ground floor live/work units, and 245 rental apartments. The project is categorized under NAICS code 236220 and is managed by the City of Santa Cruz. To facilitate this development, several authorizations are required, including a Nonresidential Demolition Authorization Permit, Coastal Permit, Design Permit, Administrative Use Permit, Heritage Tree Removal Permit, and a Downtown Density Bonus Request. The project qualifies for a statutory exemption under Public Resources Code Section 21080.66 for eligible Housing Development Projects. Additionally, the project adheres to specific conditions regarding labor standards, environmental assessments, and native American tribe engagement, the latter of which is formalized through an Enforceable Agreement dated May 14, 2026, with the Indian Canyon Band of Costanano Ohlone People.