Project vision: Building community with Heart

At Aptos Village, its all about creating a vibrant community with a social heart – the Village Common.  Its an old idea in keeping with traditional values, neighborly courtesy and “can do” spirit.   Healthy lifestyles are embraced throughout the project and surrounding area by providing convenient access to lively social spaces, recreation, small shops, restaurants, neighborhood events, and historic inspiration. Carefully planned with broad sidewalks, a community green, bicycle parking and convenient car parking, the project is designed around the pedestrian.

As a mixed-use (re)development project over a decade in the making, the design utilizes traditional neighborhood planning principles that prioritize great streets, vibrant shops, active parks and generous civic space to promote a healthy community. Ideally located at the entrance to the Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, this is an innovative and resource-efficient project that re-establishes the Village as the Civic Heart of Aptos.

As part of an on-going commitment of Barry Swenson Builder toward leadership in sustainable design,  the Aptos Village project has registered and applied for LEED ND certification.  What does this mean?  That BSB is investing in Aptos toward future environments that support walkable neighborhoods, physical health, and efficient use of our limited environmental resources.

View pdf documents below for more information on new shops, homes, and open space

Frequently Asked Questions

Leadership in the County has provided insight and answers to questions from the community. To learn more about the project and get answers to Frequently Asked Questions please check the links below:

• FAQ Aptos Village Project Water: Soquel Creek Water District
• Soquel Creek Water District March 2014: Aptos Village Water Demand Offset
• Soquel Creek Water District April 2014 Newsletter: Aptos Village Water
• FAQ Traffic-Parking
• FAQ Development
• FAQ Aptos Village Project General Summary

Design Notes

The bullet points below outline the positive impact of implementing several design options that were pre-approved under the 2012 permit:

•  Traffic:  The final design including 69 total homes, (5 homes that displaced retail square footage) resulted in less daily trips and fewer total peak hour trips than the 65 unit plan holding more retail.  The reason is that commercial space accounts for approximately 87% of the traffic at the Village.  The residential use also improves affordability for homeowners, as the costs to maintain the buildings, streets, and common areas are shared among more owners.

•  Water:  The project\’s water permit included 69 residential units when it was approved, as well as all proposed retail. The water that the new Village will use comes the water savings achieved with the SqCWD water demand offset program. The new development saves 160- 200% of the water it will use. Learn more about the SqCWD WDO program.  

•  Fire Safety:  All buildings will have a fire sprinkler system, including the townhomes.  The new streets will also provide alternate routes through the site.

•  Pervious surface:  The final design has more pervious surface area, including rain gardens and bioswales to maximize stormwater performance on the property.

•  Housing:  15% of the residential for-sale units are Measure J Affordable, (Deed-Restricted) homes.  In addition to offering affordable homes, the project improves affordability by design.  Building #3 for example, has a total of 16 One + Den Bedroom “flats”. The additional 8 units in this building reduce the HOA fees for by approximately $200 per month per owner.

•  Parking:  A large amount of parking is provided, but is cleverly designed so that you don\’t see it wherever you look.  For example, there is garage parking behind the boutique retail shops. In addition to 50 surplus parking space provided in the Village, additional stalls and road improvements will be made to Aptos Creek Road for State Park visitors.