Grand opening ceremony held for new Aptos Blue housing complex
State and local officials are celebrating the grand opening Wednesday of a new affordable apartment complex in Aptos.
Aptos Blue, developed by MidPen Housing Corporation, is located at Aptos Rancho Road.
Aptos Blue provides 40 affordable rental homes for low- and very low-income individuals and families. Aptos Blue received nearly 500 applications for its 40 units.
“Workers who can affordably live in close proximity to where they work is what builds communities,” said U.S. Congressman Sam Farr. “Aptos Blue helps meet this goal and demonstrates the good that happens when government, non-profits and the private sector all work together.”
The construction included the renovation of the historic Castro House, which was originally built in the mid-1870s as part of the Aptos Rancho. The renovated house now serves as a community building for Aptos Blue residents and includes a meeting room with a common kitchen, and an After School Program classroom with a computer lab, as well as office space.
The complex property also includes a play area for children and a community garden with a barbecue area. MidPen Resident Services Corp. coordinates and manages many onsite programs and supportive services for Aptos Blue residents — including after school and summer programs for youth, financial literacy courses, vocational development; computer lab assistance; health and wellness programs and more.
The $22.4 million development was funded by Santa Cruz County, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Wells Fargo and the California Community Reinvestment Corporation.
