Scenes from Santa Paula
Take a quick trip around downtown Santa Paula in March 2025.
- The project is planned on vacant land next to Teague Park.
- Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026.
- About a third of the units will be reserved for formerly homeless residents.
A 111-unit affordable housing development in Santa Paula got a boost through a $1.5 million loan from a housing nonprofit.
Housing Trust Fund Ventura County announced the land acquisition loan to support Topa Vista Villas, planned in the 550 block of West Harvard Blvd.
The loan will be combined with $3 million in funding from Century Housing for a combined $4.5 million to start the multifamily project.
The total project cost is estimated at $81.4 million, said Linda Braunschweiger, CEO of Housing Trust Fund Ventura County, in an email. The Housing Trust loan is for three years at the below-market interest rate of 5%, she said.
“These deals require multiple layers of funding (public and private, loans and grants) to pencil out,” she wrote.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026, according to a news release. Completion and occupancy could happen in early 2028.
Braunschweiger said in response to a question about delays over construction costs or possible federal funding issues that the developers understand the market and prepare budgets based on years of experience.
“Regarding timing and delays, no question these are tricky times and construction delays are a concern as in escalating costs,” Braunschweiger said. “Our loans have an approved automatic six-month extension in the agreements if needed.”
Topa Villa Vistas was previously known as Santa Paula 112, she said. The property is currently a vacant lot.
The development will feature 28 three-bedroom, 28 two-bedroom and 55 one-bedroom units along with a three-bedroom manager’s unit. The complex will serve households earning 60% or less of the area median income, according to project materials. Some 35% of the units will be reserved for formerly homeless households earning 30% or less of the area median income.
In Ventura County, the area median income is currently calculated by the state as $125,600 for a family of four.
The project will go up on three parcels. A four-story building will provide 126 parking spaces and 5,900 square feet of community space, including a courtyard and barbecue area.
The development is a collaboration between Homes & Hope in Ventura, Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. in Ventura and the Santa Paula Housing Authority.
“Affordable housing projects like this are vital to Santa Paula because it allows our essential workers and families to live with dignity, stay close to their jobs, and remain part of the community,” said James Mason, community and economic development director for Santa Paula, in an email. “It helps prevent homelessness, supports our local economy, and keeps Santa Paula vibrant and diverse.”
The project is in its beginning stages as far as city entitlements and approvals, Mason said. The city is in the process of completing a concept review, he said.
Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.
