SEASIDE >> A transformative housing development near the downtown district of Seaside, offering a mix of floorplans designed to serve a range of households and income levels, was celebrated with a ribbon cutting Thursday.

“Seagrove has transformed the skyline and streetscape of this central corridor bringing bold modern architecture along with a commitment to sustainability,” said Jose Bazua, Seaside economic development director.

Located at 1105 Broadway Ave., Seagrove Apartments is a mixed-use development of nine multi-family structures and one mixed-use building. The development brings 106 new housing units to the community, 16 of which are low-income, adding to Seaside’s housing mix. In addition, it allows for 4,079 square feet of commercial space. It is the first new multi-family housing project to be built in the city in about 25 years and will provide workforce rental housing.

Seaside Mayor Ian Oglesby told the crowd assembled for the event that the day is a proud one for the city as it reflects the shared commitment to growth, renewal and community pride.

“We stand together to celebrate the positive impact this transformative housing development project has made,” said Oglesby. “For close to 50 years, most of these parcels have been blighted, empty, underused and a reminder of missed opportunities.”

Situated on six parcels totaling 2.85-acres, the Seagrove Apartments are bordered by Broadway Avenue to the south, Olympia Avenue to the north, Terrace Street to the west and San Lucas Street to the east, and sits across from the post office.“This project brings much-needed housing for all income levels. No, it is not as affordable for those that may be struggling with housing affordability would like, (but) this council will continue to fight for truly more-affordable housing starts and completions,” said Oglesby.

The developer of the project, West End Partners, agreed to provide 16 units at 28% of area median income for the first five years of rental by low-income persons, and then the percentage increases to 30% of area median income for the 50 years of remaining rental. The low-income units will be designated as affordable inclusionary rental units for a period of 55 years beginning at occupancy.

The residential units consist of one-, two- and three-bedroom units while the affordable units consist of eight two-bedroom units and eight one-bedroom units.

Seagrove apartments feature contemporary interiors with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and energy-efficient lighting, according to its website.

“Seaside is bringing more vibrant retail spaces and a renewed sense of purpose to our downtown,” said Oglesby. “Do not be confused — this will grow our downtown.”

The Seaside City Council approved the Seagrove project in November 2019, and shortly thereafter, it adopted a resolution approving a density bonus for the project formerly known as the Ascent project.

The State of California adopted the Density Bonus Law in 1979 for projects that have on-site affordable housing. The law’s legislative intent was clarified in 2016, making it easier for developers to build affordable units.

A density bonus allows for an overall increase in the number of housing units in exchange for a certain percentage of those units as affordable. It would provide the parcel be developed at a higher residential density that the maximum for which the parcel is designated.

California’s Density Bonus Law (California Government Code Section 65915) has been amended several times since 2016 to expand and clarify developers’ bonus incentives for providing affordable housing.

“This project is not just about housing, it’s about revitalization of an entire area drawing visitors and shoppers back to our downtown and restoring pride along one of our city’s busiest roadways,” said Oglesby, who thanked the Council and city staff, as well as the project team.

The Seagrove project team included developer West End Partners, LLC; architect TCA Architects; landscape architects Hirsch & Associates, Inc; civil engineers Whitson Engineers; and electrical engineers Aurum Consulting Engineers.