A home with
50 years of Humboldt history

Arcata’s historic Crew House was established in 1977 in the neighborhood surrounding Cal Poly Humboldt, then known as Humboldt State. Originally built in 1904, the home was purchased in 1977 by O’Rourk Swinney, co-founder and coach of the university’s first crew program. Initially operated as a youth hostel — with rooms costing just $3 a night! The property soon became a shared living space for members of the crew team after Swinney invited student rowers to live there, giving the home its now well known name.

By 1985, Crew House had officially evolved into the co-living residence it remains today: an 18-room home known for its diverse community of students, artists, working professionals, and creative individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.

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Crew House sits just up the hill from the Arcata Plaza and is within walking distance of downtown shopping, cafés, restaurants, and local businesses. Nearby neighborhood favorites include Los Bagels, Cafe Brio, Rita's Margaritas & Mexican Grill, as well as North Coast Co-op and Wildberries Marketplace — all long-standing staples of the Arcata community.