Story and Photos By Jondi Gumz
After two years of construction, developer Swenson announces Phase 2 of the highly anticipated Aptos Village Project is complete, and homes are for sale, with tours by reservation only.
Swenson says this is the final step in a vision to revitalize the “heart of Aptos.”
Phase 2 encompasses 29 beautifully designed condos, including five to be sold at below-market prices via lottery in compliance with Measure J.
They range in size, and a 2-bedroom unit starts at $1,299,000.
A sneak preview revealed the homes are tastefully staged, all with Frigidaire stainless steel appliances, stacked washer-fryer, tankless water heater, modern bathrooms with Kohler fixtures off the primary bedroom, spacious closets, some with a loft, others with a second-floor patio to sip coffee or a glass of wine. Some bedrooms offer a peak at the ocean, which is not far away.
These new homes complement Phase 1 homes completed in 2019, a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments or condos over retail space, bringing the total to 65 on the 11.5-acre site.
Supervisors approved the project in 2012.
For the second phase:
- There is diversity in size: 18 two-bedroom units, and 8 three-bedroom units and 3 one-bedroom units.
- Parking: Each comes with an assigned garage, along with a total of 45 garage spaces and 76 outdoor parking spaces, which where guest would park. There are also two bike lockers and 32 bike parking spots for residents.
- Ground-floor commercial: Seven new buildings on Aptos Village Way feature 15,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor, with over 39,000 square feet of residential space above.
- HOA fees could range from $350 to $600 per month depending on size and location.
- Preferred lender: Mortgage Ally led by Peter Gaeckle and Eric Rotner, interest rates as low as 4.99%, conditions and restrictions apply.
Aimee Thayer-Garcia with Montalvo Homes and Estates said the diversity of options has attracted a variety of potential residential buyers requesting tours.
She said she’s heard from people retiring and downsizing, retiring to the Bay Area, families, local and out of the area, young professionals who bike and work from home. For those who hike or mountain bike, the nearby state Forest of Nisene Marks is an attraction.
How does price compare to those countywide?
The Santa Cruz County Association of Realtors reports the median price for a single-family home was $1.275 million in April.
The median price for a condo in April: $858,000.
One draw for this location: Stores and restaurants within walking distance. The popular New Leaf Community Market preserving the historic Hihn Apple Packing Shed.
Other locally owned businesses — are reachable on foot — include The Penny Ice Creamery, Cat & Cloud Coffee, Mentone, Sockshop & Shoe Company, and the Sante Arcangeli Family Wines Tasting Room.
“Cat & Cloud is busy every day,” Thayer-Garcia said.
As for the ground floor retail spaces in Phase 2, there are no names to announce yet. Two are set aside for restaurants, and businesses that could complement existing operators include a salon and judo studio.
Swenson has promised to deed a 24,000-square-foot parcel of land to the County of Santa Cruz, creating a new opportunity for the Parks Department.
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Q&A: Aptos Village Homes
Mark Pilarczyk, vice president, development at Swenson, answered questions from Aptos Times editor Jondi Gumz
Are these considered attached single-family homes or town homes?
Yes, these are condos that are ideal for those downsizing their home or moving from renting to owning their first home.
Attached homes are typically more affordable than detached homes upfront. However, they often come with higher Homeowners Association fees. What is the HOA fee at Aptos Village?
HOA and CC&R fees will be provided to buyers.
What was the price range for the previously sold homes in Phase 1?
Each phase of this development is unique with pricing reflecting different market conditions and home designs.
With a price of $1,299,000 for a two-bedroom, what would the mortgage payment be at current interest rates?
Mortgage payments can vary based on factors like credit score, down payment and interest rates. To help buyers, Swnson is offering buydown interest rates, which can lower monthly payments and make homeownership more accessible. A lender could provide specific estimates based on individual situations.
Parking: For 29 homes, there are 45 spaces in the garage. Does that mean some homebuyers with 2 cars (29 x 2= 56) won’t have a garage space and will have to park on the street? Or are you expecting some homebuyers will use a bicycle (not a car) to get around?
Most of the units come with two-car garages, while a few have single-car garages. We’ve also included open parking for guests and retail visitors to ensure a welcoming and convenient experience for everyone enjoying Aptos Village.
Do you have a map showing where the 76 outdoor parking spaces are? Every time I go to New Leaf, I drive super slow hunting for an available space.
Parking spaces are clearly outlined on the site plan. New Leaf has its own designated parking. With the opening of Phase II, additional parking will be available to enhance the overall shopping experience at Aptos Village.
Aptos Village Way is pretty narrow. If cars are parked on either side, is it wide enough for two cars to pass through?
Yes.
With people on foot, riding bikes and in cars, what safety measures are planned to avert cars hitting people?
Traffic calming measures are thoughtfully integrated into the design to ensure a safe and pleasant experience. These features were a required part of the County’s approval process.
This project has a lot of ground floor commercial space. What kinds of businesses are needed in this area? Who are you reaching out to? I suggest the restaurant Urban Plates, which is in Sunnyvale. Any new businesses ready to announce?
Swenson and our brokerage partners are actively engaging with a variety of potential retail tenants to bring in restaurants, shops and services that will complement the vibrant, mixed-use character of Aptos Village.
And what about the vacant space across from Mentone? Any nibbles for that spot?
We are actively working with a couple of groups that have shown interest in the space.
What’s the home insurance rate situation for this location, as it is so close to Nisene Marks State Park. Mine doubled and I’m in Scotts Valley a mile from the fire station. Any of the building and rooting materials fire-resistant?
Rising homeowners’ insurance costs are a significant concern for many Californians. The buildings at Aptos Village are constructed with fire-resistant materials like stucco and stone facades, which can help provide added protection and may be beneficial when it comes to insurance considerations.
What about the promised county park behind the homes? What’s the next step to get that going?
This land will be dedicated to the County parks department, which will handle future planning for the space.
