New Renderings Showcase Innovative Tower Design for Downtown San Jose

Fresh renderings have emerged for the Fountain Alley mixed-use project at 35 South Second Street in Downtown San Jose, revealing a pair of residential towers designed by the renowned Bjarke Ingels Group. The development sits along South Second Street between Santa Clara and San Fernando Streets, near the historic Bank of Italy tower. This project forms part of a broader master plan led by developers Westbank and Urban Community, aiming to enhance the urban fabric with modern housing and community spaces.

The two towers reach heights of 279 feet and 289 feet, featuring balconies lined with trees to integrate greenery into the skyline. Materials such as aluminum, terracotta-toned glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, and curtainwall glass create a distinctive facade that blends contemporary style with the surrounding environment. Bionic handles the landscape architecture, while Kier and Wright serve as civil engineers, and Glotman Simpson oversees structural engineering, ensuring a thoughtful approach to the site's integration.

Inside, the project includes 768 apartments with a mix of 177 studios, 413 one-bedroom units, 152 two-bedroom options, and 26 three-bedroom residences. About 38 units will offer affordable housing for very low-income households through state density bonus provisions. Ground-floor retail spans 10,700 square feet, complemented by a pedestrian plaza, 45,000 square feet of basement parking, and space for 417 bicycles in a four-level subterranean garage. The total built area covers 831,600 square feet, primarily dedicated to housing.

This addition promises to bring more residents and activity to Downtown San Jose, supporting the area's evolution into a lively hub for living and leisure. Six projects in total are underway from the same developers in Downtown San Jose, including one already in early construction stages.

For more details, visit https://sfyimby.com/2025/12/new-renderings-for-big-designed-tower-in-downtown-san-jose.html.

San Jose Unified's Housing Vision: 288 Apartments for Dedicated Educators

San Jose Unified School District advances plans for a 288-unit apartment complex at 760 Hillsdale Avenue, designed specifically for its employees. This initiative addresses the challenge of providing stable homes for teachers and staff amid rising living expenses. The development occupies a vacant parcel next to Highway 87, creating convenient access for those working in the area's education sector.

The project targets the missing middle group of workers who earn above limits for many subsidized options yet struggle with market rents. District leaders recognize that even top earners face barriers to comfortable living in the city. By converting unused land into residential space, the effort turns underutilized property into a community asset, aligning with San Jose's push to increase housing production.

Funding comes from a $1.15 billion bond approved by voters in November 2024, with $282.5 million allocated here. The site sits adjacent to the district's Silicon Valley Education Campus and near light rail lines, promoting easy commutes and sustainable growth. This setup ensures high-quality builds comparable to private developments, fostering retention of skilled professionals.

As San Jose works toward state-required annual housing targets of over 7,700 units, projects like this help close the gap. The apartments promise to draw and keep talented individuals committed to student success, enhancing San Jose's educational landscape and overall appeal.

For more details on the project, visit https://www.sjusd.org/

Source: The Mercury News

Martha Gardens Breaks Ground: Boosting Housing Options in San Jose

San Jose celebrates another step forward in expanding its residential landscape with the recent ground-breaking of the Martha Gardens project at 802 South First Street. This development promises to add 166 new units to the city's inventory, blending market-rate and affordable housing in a prime location near the I-280 overpass. As construction begins, residents can look forward to a fresh infusion of living spaces that support the growing needs of families and individuals alike.

Among the highlights, 18 units cater to very-low-income households at or below 50 percent of the area median income, while 15 more serve low-income residents at or below 80 percent. These provisions make homeownership and renting more attainable for a broader segment of the population. The Pacific Companies, led by dedicated professionals like John Nicolas, spearhead the effort, demonstrating a commitment to thoughtful urban growth.

Designed by AO Architects, the 83-foot-tall structure spans 164,660 square feet in a podium-style layout. Features include 1,510 square feet of retail space, parking for 90 vehicles and 43 bicycles, plus a nearly 10,000-square-foot courtyard for outdoor gatherings. Such elements create inviting environments that encourage community interaction and daily convenience.

Positioned close to Downtown San Jose and the vibrant SoFA creative district, Martha Gardens promotes a walkable lifestyle that lessens dependence on cars. This accessibility aligns with the city's push for sustainable living, allowing tenants to easily connect with cultural spots, dining, and transit options. Funding secured through an agreement with PNC National Bank in June 2024 helped overcome challenges, paving the way for timely progress.

Source: SF YIMBY