San Jose’s Urban Village Vision: 474 New Affordable Homes on South Bascom Avenue

As part of San Jose’s Urban Village plan, a new development promises to transform a sleepy lot into a lively, walkable hub where with easy access to public transportation. The Urban Village plan anchors San Jose’s 2040 Envision Plan, targeting areas like the South Bascom site for a bold shift toward medium to high-density growth. It’s all about crafting neighborhoods where daily life doesn’t hinge on a car.

Crafted by b9 Architects, this project at 1099 South Bascom Avenue will deliver 474 affordable housing units, a major win for accessibility. The design leans hard into sustainable living, offering just 191 parking spaces but a generous 457 bike stalls. It’s a clear nod to a future where pedals outpace pistons. The site, currently home to a Round Table Pizza and a vacant storefront once occupied by Kelly-Moore Paints, will shed its underused past for a vibrant new chapter. The developer is even pursuing a density bonus to pack in more units, amplifying the project’s reach.

This isn’t a standalone effort—San Jose is riding a wave of transformation. Across Santa Clara County, underutilized parcels are morphing into large affordable housing developments, and South Bascom Avenue is a standout in this trend. By embracing the Urban Village model, San Jose is sculpting a city that’s sustainable, dynamic, and open to all.

Source: SF YIMBY

New Affordable Housing Project on The Alameda in San Jose

A new affordable housing project takes shape near Downtown, offering a beacon of hope amid the city’s ongoing housing challenges. As reported by The Mercury News, this development is more than just a collection of apartments—it’s a bold move to make San Jose a more inclusive, thriving place to live.

What sets this project apart is its use of advanced construction techniques, which could pave the way for faster, more cost-effective housing solutions across the region. The units are built offsite leveraging modular construction, and then assembled like LEGOs at the final construction site. The apartments are tailored to low-income residents, featuring a variety of unit sizes to accommodate different families and individuals.

The project will come in at seven stories and include 120 parking spaces, some of which are below ground. Amenities would include a rooftop deck, gym, and a lounge area.

Beyond the homes themselves, this project promises a boost to San Jose’s economy. Construction will generate jobs, and once residents settle in, local businesses near Downtown are likely to see increased foot traffic and spending. This ripple effect underscores how affordable housing isn’t just about shelter—it’s about strengthening the entire community. San Jose’s growth as a tech and innovation hub depends on its ability to support all its residents, and developments like this help make that vision a reality.

This effort fits into a broader wave of progress in San Jose. From workforce housing to mixed-use projects, the city is embracing creative solutions to meet its housing needs. Partnerships between developers, city leaders, and community groups are driving these initiatives forward, proving that collaboration can yield real results. As San Jose evolves, it’s carving out a reputation as a city that balances ambition with accessibility—a place where opportunity isn’t just for the few, but for everyone.