APTOS — In the not-too-distant future, Aptos’ signature World’s Shortest Parade will terminate in the Village Green, the centerpiece of Aptos Village’s expansive new development.
The common could also be the new home of Aptos’ annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
That’s according to Mary Gourlay, development project manager for Swenson, which is the contractor in charge of the project.
Known formally as the Aptos Village Project, the project abutting Nisene Marks State Park has radically transformed the once tiny mid-county town by adding about 19 condos, 28 townhouses, restaurants and retail spaces, all of which is the first phase of the two-phase project. All of this is part of a vision for the village that includes a pedestrian-friendly array of restaurants and shops.
Phase Two will begin when Phase One wraps up, and is projected to take approximately 18 months.
Businesses now planned for the development include New Leaf Community Market, Penny Ice Creamery, Cat & Cloud Coffee, Sockshop & Shoe Company and a restaurant led by Michelin three-star chef David Kinch.
In addition to the living and retail space, the project has added two new roadways: Aptos Village Way, which connects Trout Gulch Road to Aptos Creek Road, and Parade Street, a short street that leads into the development from Soquel Drive.
Homeowners are now moving into building 12, which contains 11 three-bedroom townhouses. Gourlay said the rest of the first phase is expected to wrap up in summer 2019.
The Village Green, seen here from a residential unit, is billed as the heart of the Aptos Village Project. Photo by Erik Chalhoub/Pajaronian
Several townhomes have been rented, and the company will soon begin taking applications for the condominiums.
Planners hope the new businesses — and the pedestrian-friendly layout — will draw visitors from throughout the county, in addition to serving the residents.
“It’s really not meant to be your typical urban shopping experience at all,” Gourlay said. “It’s to promote interaction between people.”
When it’s complete, Aptos Village Project will cover 11.5 acres and include 70,000 square feet of commercial space and 69 new homes.
Work kicked off in February 2016, the highlight of which occurred seven months later when crews moved the massive Hihn Apple Barn by lifting it, rotating it and moving it 300 feet.
With a modern addition, that building will be the home of New Leaf Community Market’s newest location.
The project is part of the Soquel Creek Water District Water Demand Offset program, which requires new developments to offset two times the amount of water they are projected to use.
This includes the use of porous concrete, which is designed to allow water to return to the soil, and bioswales that help keep pollution out of waterways. Plans also call for all units to have water and energy-efficient washers and dryers, Gourlay said.
“We’re doing everything we can to be responsible to the community,” Gourlay said. “The idea is to stay here forever, so that people will be happy living here. It’s been such a long time coming.”
A painter works on the exterior of a residential unit under construction on Parade Street. Photo by Erik Chalhoub/Pajaronian
