Construction is continuing on a new luxury apartment complex in Paso Robles.
The first phase of the Blue Oak Apartment complex, located along Highway 46 East, opened back in August.
The city says these luxury apartments are another option and that they’ll only help the area flourish.
“I think that they’re definitely needed,” said Oriana Maki-Nelson. “I think that we need more housing. I think we need a lot of different options when it comes to housing.”
Approved back in 2013, the Blue Oak Luxury Apartments offer something different.
“This is a newer housing type and we’re excited to have these kinds of units in our housing portfolio,” said Assistant City Manager Jim Cogan.
One sign reads, “Refined Elegant Living.” During the grand opening, the owners of the complex called it “resort living.”
The city says while it does appeal to only some renters, it offers others the ability to move up in housing.
“Which creates more affordability by providing those market-rate affordable units, making them available to new home buyers and people who are coming into the area,” Cogan said.
So who’s in need of luxury living in Paso Robles Wine Country, anyway?
“There’s younger executives who can find these attractive, millennial renters and then people who are interested in downsizing,” Cogan said.
There are one, two and three bedroom apartments for rent with the largest around 1,300 square feet.
“Seeing how quickly these apartments went up and how quickly they’ve been rented out, obviously there is a market here for luxury apartments, especially with the wine industry and just the businesses that are in town. I think there’s a need for it,” Maki-Nelson said.
Some locals pointed out that affordable housing is needed, too.
“That’s actually what I thought was going in there,” said Cassidy Voogd. “I don’t want to say that I am disappointed that it’s luxury but it will be good for some people but some people is not everybody, so I think low income would be something that would be a little bit better.”
Ranges from $1,700 to $2,700 a month.
Construction on phase two is underway. Phase three will be the third and final phase.
