Location: Watsonville, CA

Size: 43 units

Client: MidPen Housing 

Architect: W|A Associates 

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San Andreas Community, a newly renovated farmworker supportive housing complex developed by MidPen Housing, is located in Watsonville, CA near the Monterey Bay coast. Surrounded by berry farms, which are primarily staffed by day laborers, this project addresses a critical need for housing in an area with limited residential options, offering a sustainable and dignified living environment for farmworkers. The project is distinguished by its partial off-grid infrastructure, featuring a well-supplied water system, fire sprinklers powered by a newly installed fire pump drawing from the same well, a backup generator to cover for PG&E outages, and a fully upgraded septic system with a new leach field. Additionally, new domestic water service infrastructure was implemented to ensure reliable access to clean water. The exterior scope of work encompassed comprehensive upgrades, including new windows, siding, and exterior paint, alongside ADA-compliant improvements to sidewalks and parking areas to enhance accessibility. Interior renovations included modernized kitchens with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances, updated flooring, fresh paint, and new plumbing fixtures in bathrooms, ensuring a high standard of comfort and functionality for residents. This innovative project not only provides essential housing but also sets a benchmark for sustainable, community-focused development in rural agricultural regions.