Measuring Measure S

Library System

Image provided by 10-Over Studio

The Downtown Library & Affordable Housing Project

Will provide the community with a modern, accessible library, much needed affordable housing, quality childcare facilities, and parking for residents, library patrons and visitors to the downtown area. 

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
• 124 units of housing, 100% of which will be affordable units (with exception of one manager’s unit)
• Approximately 203 Bicycle Parking Spaces, including varying sizes, bike lockers and e-bike charging
• 240 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
• A $55.1M Tax Credit Award through the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee
• A $55.6M Bond Award through the California Debt Allocation Committee

Download the Fact Sheet here and see the Frequently Asked Questions

Project Resources and Information

Visit the City of Santa Cruz Downtown Library & Affordable Housing Project website

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On February 11, 2016, the SCPL Facilities Financing Authority placed a $67 million bond measure (later designated Measure S) on the June, 2016 ballot. With 70% approval, voters agreed to fund Measure S.

These Measuring Measure S pages serve as a timeline and a documentation of the planning process and progress at each of the ten branches.