Construction of new apartment complex near completion in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Santa Maria continues to grow despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Construction of a brand new apartment complex is almost finished.

"There’s A 318-unit apartment complex called Azure Apartment Homes that’s being built north of Enos Ranch Shopping Center," said Chuen Ng with Community Development.

It's being built in a fast growing area that has a new elementary school and a thriving shopping center.

"The plan for development was built over the last several years and it includes Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lowe’s and restaurants. This adds to the overall Enos Ranch Specific Plan that was approved several years ago. This helps complete the residential portion of the specific plan," said Ng.

As construction continues at the apartment complex, city leaders say this is just one of several projects happening in Santa Maria.

"We continue to see a lot of interest from developers for both residential and commercial. We have 300 apartments proposed in addition to the Azure Apartment Homes," said Mark van de Kamp with the City of Santa Maria.

City leaders believe these projects mean more opportunity for residents to move into better housing.

"Families can move up. There’s opportunity for students and for workers to come into our community," said van de Kamp.

More jobs are expected to come with the new housing.

"My hope is that Santa Maria continues to accommodate growth and development, and make sure that we have the quality of life here," said Ng.

The new apartment complex is expected to open on a gradual basis starting in September.