Community Design + Architecture was hired by Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition to develop a concept plan for a portion of property located east of the intersection of Highway 1 south of the town of Aptos. The site is currently characterized by steep terrain, the majority of which is in excess of 30 percent, and extremely dense brush and trees. The most feasible development site is an approximately eight and one half-acre area on the western edge of the site with an average grade of 15 percent and commanding impressive views to the west.

The development program consists of approximately three acres of community arts facilities and five and one half acres of artist and public employee housing. Development would be along a primary loop road that adheres as closely as possible with the existing topography thereby reducing the need for excessive grading. At the entry point would be an 18,600 square foot community arts facility housed in three buildings. These buildings are envisioned to include performance spaces and communal studio spaces that would be open to the public. An outdoor amphitheatre to the west, and visitor parking behind the facilities would complement the facility.

The residential development would be as sensitive as possible to the topography and allow for ample green space between units. Twenty-two artist live/work duplexes are sited along the loop road and the internal connecting roadway providing for 44 individual units. Each unit would be two-story for a total of 1600 square feet of live/work space with off-street parking pads for residents. Alternatively, units could be double-height with mezzanines allowing for large, open studio spaces, but with a reduced overall square footage.