Santa Cruz Educator Housing

EHDD, in collaboration with Bogard Construction and Studio Vara, is leading the design of an innovative affordable housing project in Santa Cruz, California, aimed at addressing the critical issue of retaining educators in one of the most expensive housing markets in the nation. This initiative is part of a broader vision to ensure that essential community members, such as teachers, have access to secure, affordable living spaces, enabling them to continue serving the community despite the rising cost of living. 

The project will consist of a multi-story, multi-family complex featuring 80 units, with a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Designed with the unique coastal environment of Santa Cruz in mind, the architecture will reflect the area’s natural beauty while fostering a vibrant and resilient community through communal spaces. The site for this development is strategically located to provide easy access to local schools and essential services, ensuring that educators can live close to their workplaces and fully engage with the community they serve.  

This development is a critical step toward sustainable educator retention and the creation of a thriving, inclusive community in Santa Cruz. And by addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing for educators, this project serves as a model for similar initiatives across California. It aligns with EHDD’s mission to create transformative places of belonging and impact, ensuring that educators are housed and supported in their vital role within the community.