Facchino Neighborhood Breaks Ground for Vibrant Housing Near Berryessa BART

Facchino Neighborhood broke ground on Oct 20th in Berryessa, which will transform a 13-acre industrial site at 1655 Berryessa Road into over 700 residential units. Property owner Bob Facchino personally operated an excavator to begin demolishing the building that once housed his family's trucking business for more than 50 years, calling the moment bittersweet yet necessary for progress. This redevelopment, near the Berryessa BART station that opened in 2020, aligns with plans for an urban village that integrates housing with transit accessibility.

KB Home leads construction on 48 for-sale single-family homes and townhomes, while Swenson develops a 260-unit affordable apartment complex, both set to advance quickly with Swenson aiming for completion in about two years. Additional phases include 338 apartments and 62 more for-sale units, addressing the city's need for diverse living options. A neighborhood park and replacement wetland, mandated after the site's drainage area earned protected status, will add green spaces that enhance community appeal.

This project exemplifies San Jose's shift toward sustainable growth, turning underused land into homes that support families and reduce commutes via nearby public transit. Local leaders gathered at the ceremony to highlight how such initiatives ease housing pressures and foster connected neighborhoods. As construction ramps up, Facchino Neighborhood promises to draw new residents eager for transit-oriented living in the South Bay.

Source: SVBJ

New Law Sparks Growth Opportunities Near San Jose Transit Stations

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 79 into law, setting the stage for increased residential density around transit hubs in eight California counties, including Santa Clara. This measure, authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, enables developers to construct taller and denser housing projects within a half-mile radius of qualifying rail stops, bypassing some local zoning limits. For San Jose residents, this opens doors to more vibrant neighborhoods where living close to public transportation becomes easier and more appealing.

The law targets counties with over 15 passenger rail stations, a threshold Santa Clara County meets with its extensive network of BART, Caltrain, and VTA light rail options. Projects under SB 79 must include affordable units if they exceed a certain size, ensuring broader access to housing. This approach addresses California's housing shortage by prioritizing development in areas already served by efficient transit, which could reduce reliance on cars and ease traffic congestion in the South Bay.

Details of the upzoning vary by transit type. Around Tier 1 stops like BART and Caltrain, buildings can reach up to nine stories near the station entrance, seven stories within a quarter mile, and six stories out to a half mile. For Tier 2 stops, such as light rail lines, the heights are slightly lower, topping out at eight stories adjacent to the stop. These provisions apply to sites zoned for residential, mixed-use, or commercial purposes, provided they meet density and affordability criteria.

San Jose stands to benefit greatly from this initiative, fostering communities that blend urban convenience with sustainable living. As the city expands its transit infrastructure, including extensions to key areas, SB 79 supports a future where more people can call San Jose home without sacrificing accessibility or adding to traffic gridlock. The result could be a more lively cityscape that showcases San Jose's potential as a leader in smart urban development.

Source: SVBJ

Groundbreaking for Aquino Apartments Marks a New Chapter in Downtown San Jose Housing

Construction has officially started on the Aquino apartment complex, an eight-story development bringing 278 new units to Downtown San Jose at 498 West San Carlos Street. Developer Urban Catalyst led the groundbreaking ceremony on September 4, marking a significant step toward addressing the city's pressing housing needs. This project transforms a once-vacant corner at West San Carlos and Josefa streets, previously occupied by outdated structures like an office building and an autobody shop, into a modern residential hub.

The Aquino features a traditional apartment layout, shifting from an earlier co-living design to offer more units in compact sizes. With a total cost of $135 million, the development secured a $112 million loan from Beach Point Capital and benefited from San Jose's multifamily housing incentive program, which provides fee and tax reductions to encourage building. This support helped push the project forward, aligning with the city's goal to add over 60,000 housing units by 2031. Among the 278 units, 14 are deed-restricted for affordable housing, contributing to inclusive growth.

Positioned near Google's planned Downtown West campus and Diridon Station, Aquino enhances connectivity and vitality in the area. It neighbors other Urban Catalyst projects, including the completed Keystone Marriott TownePlace Suites hotel and a site slated for additional housing. This infill development promotes shorter commutes and a sustainable environment, fostering a community where residents can thrive amid Silicon Valley's innovation.

San Jose's recent pace of housing production, with about 1,500 units completed last year and 1,300 the year before, falls short of demand, making projects like Aquino essential. City leaders recognize the need to streamline processes and reduce bureaucracy to compete with faster-building cities like Austin and Denver. By prioritizing smart development, San Jose sets an example for California, starting with initiatives that make housing more feasible.

The Aquino stands as a symbol of progress, inviting families, professionals, and newcomers to experience Downtown San Jose's evolving landscape. Residents will enjoy proximity to transit, amenities, and the city's cultural offerings, from nearby parks to bustling markets. This addition strengthens the neighborhood fabric, creating opportunities for vibrant living in the heart of the South Bay.

Source: SVBJ

New Condos Rising on West San Carlos: A Fresh Boost for San Jose Living

San Jose continues to evolve with innovative projects that enhance its urban fabric, and the latest proposal at 1470 West San Carlos Street stands out as a promising addition. This seven-story development aims to bring 180 condominiums to the corner of West San Carlos and Willard Avenue, replacing a vacant lot and an underutilized commercial building on a 0.85-acre site. Owned by affiliates linked to local business leaders Thahn Nguyen, Dylan Nguyen, and Margaret Pham, the project includes 1,700 square feet of ground-floor retail or office space, creating a mixed-use hub that supports both residents and nearby businesses.

The residential mix caters to diverse needs with 141 two-bedroom units, 21 one-bedroom units, and 18 three-bedroom units, all designed in a donut-shaped building that centers outdoor open space for residents. This layout shields the communal area from street noise and traffic while keeping it accessible, fostering a sense of community in a bustling corridor. Developers from WSC Development emphasize how this setup aligns with the West San Carlos Urban Village Plan, turning an overlooked parcel into vital housing that encourages walking or biking to Downtown San Jose for work and daily activities.

What makes this project particularly noteworthy is its focus on for-sale condos, a rarity in the West San Carlos area where rental developments often dominate. Real estate experts like Bob Staedler from Silicon Valley Synergy highlight the corridor's potential for substantial housing growth in the coming years. By pursuing a streamlined approval process under California's SB 330 law, the team aims to deliver a standout building that draws new residents and invigorates local commerce, contributing to San Jose's vibrant future.

Source: SiliconValley.com