The new modern library portion of the project, funded by voter-approved Measure S, will replace the existing downtown library. The project is located in Downtown Santa Cruz at a city-owned surface parking lot (Lot 4), bounded by Cathcart, Cedar and Lincoln Streets. The weekly Downtown Farmers’ Market that is currently located on Wednesdays at the project site will move to a permanent home in Downtown Santa Cruz. 

The City Council Approved Downtown Library & Affordable Housing Project includes these important elements: 

✓ A modern library with resources for all

✓ A child care facility

✓ At least 124 units of very low-income housing

✓ Approximately 258 Bicycle Parking Spaces, including varying sizes, bike lockers and e-bike charging

✓ 235 parking spaces including 25 level 2 EV charging stations

Project Milestones & Accomplishments:

✓ Acquisition of 113 Lincoln Street 

✓ Building Permit Application Submitted 

✓ Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Award of $33.5M

Most Recent Updates:

11.14.2024 The Project Team continues to make progress on the Building Permit applications with the Core and Shell team and the Library Architect both in the plan check process, a full project updated can be downloaded here. 

5 .14.2024 City Council received a project update and took action on adopting a resolution to ratify an Amended and Restated Options to Lease agreement with the Affordable Housing Developers.  Presentation can be found here.  Link to the City Council Meeting here. 

for full details follow the Project Updates link below 

Download the Fact Sheet here and see the Frequently Asked Questions