Santa Cruz City Schools' First Educator Housing Community
Bogard Construction is partnering with Santa Cruz City Schools to deliver a 100-unit below-market-rate apartment community for district educators and staff.
As rising housing costs make it harder for educators to remain in Santa Cruz, the development will help teachers and staff live closer to the students and families they serve while supporting long-term workforce stability.
Challenge
Santa Cruz City Schools set out to convert a westside district-owned site into educator housing, requiring close coordination around funding, site constraints, neighborhood context, and district priorities.
Approach
Bogard joined the project early through an Alternative Design-Build process, collaborating with Santa Cruz City Schools, EHDD, and Studio VARA to align budget, constructability, site planning, and program goals before construction began.
This early, integrated approach helped expand the plan from an original 80-unit concept to 100 units while keeping the project aligned with district goals and available funding.
Result
Now under construction, the Educator Housing Community will provide 100 below-market-rate homes for Santa Cruz City Schools educators and staff.
The community is designed to create a "housing-in-the-park" feel, with smaller residential clusters connected by elevated bridges and exterior walkways. The site plan balances needed density with outdoor space, natural light, and coastal views.
Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028.
