Location: Capitola, California

Architect: Architects FORA

Developer: MidPen Housing

Nestled in the heart of Capitola, California, 38th Ave Apartments celebrates the culture and connections to nature that the beach town has to offer, while carefully considering the needs of families and children who will call the community home. The project aims to provide affordable, inclusive, family housing for the Capitola community with a focus on equitable resources and support. The development consists of 52 units of 100% affordable housing for large families spread across 4 buildings. The two- and three-story buildings take note of Capitola’s quirky details, integrating color and architectural style from its neighbors. Across the four residential buildings are a mix of flats and townhomes that step down to blend in with the residential surroundings. Within the site, two outdoor “yards” create vibrant opportunities for a variety of activities including large group dining and barbecues, community gardens, play areas, and yard games.

Note: This project has no elevators, so the mobility-accessible units are on the ground floor only, with sensory-accessible units scattered throughout the complex. While this does not fully meet The Kelsey’s goal for inclusion – ideally, mobility-accessible units would be interspersed throughout all floors – this project did utilize the Inclusive Design Standards in many areas.