Council Directs a Closer Look at Neighborhood Housing Density

San Jose City Council spent hours on Aug. 18 hearing from residents before voting 8-3 to study several density options rather than lock in a single number. Staff will now analyze 16, 24 and 32 dwelling units per acre in Residential Neighborhood areas that currently sit at about eight units per acre, along with parking standards. A finished proposal is slated to return for a final decision late in 2027.

The debate sits inside the four-year review of Envision San José 2040. Planners had floated a jump to 32 units per acre on most of the city’s residential land as a way to add “missing middle” homes: duplexes, fourplexes, townhomes and small multifamily buildings that sit between a single house and a large apartment block. Mixed-use corridors and Urban Residential areas, including parts of Downtown San Jose, also appeared in the package with higher proposed ranges and extra stories.

State housing targets explain the urgency. San Jose must plan for more than 62,000 additional units between 2023 and 2031. Production so far has lagged that pace, and large apartment projects have struggled to find financing. City housing officials told the council that smaller, scattered buildings can pencil out without heavy public subsidy and can give middle-income households more choices.

Neighbors who filled the chamber raised traffic, street parking and the look of established blocks. Several council members asked staff to treat the city as a collection of different places rather than one uniform map. The study period will include more outreach, environmental review and work on design standards so any future rules can respect existing street patterns while still adding homes.

Anyone who cares about where the next generation of San Jose families will live now has more than a year to follow the details. The city that already mixes Downtown towers with tree-lined streets is trying to decide how those two scales can grow together. That conversation, handled carefully, is how San Jose keeps room for teachers, nurses, restaurant crews and young households without losing the neighborhoods people already love.

Additional information on the General Plan Four-Year Review is available through the City of San Jose Planning Division.

Source: Silicon Valley Business Journal

Affordable Housing Tower Advances Next to Berryessa BART Station

Progress on a 10-story apartment building at 1565 Mabury Rd. brings nearly 200 affordable homes closer to reality in Northeast San Jose. The development stands right next to the Berryessa BART station parking garage. Once finished, it will deliver a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences aimed at households earning up to 80 percent of the local area median income.

San Diego-based Affirmed Housing leads the effort after securing a ground lease from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. County records show an $11.1 million payment for the lease. Permanent financing of $162.6 million received approval through a combination of tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and contributions from Citibank, Santa Clara County and the City of San Jose.

The building will contain 193 affordable units plus two market-rate apartments reserved for on-site managers. Forty-five studios, 43 one-bedroom units and 105 two-bedroom apartments make up the affordable portion. These homes target working families and individuals who need stable housing near reliable public transit.

Location beside a major BART station supports the kind of dense, transit-oriented growth that reduces reliance on cars and connects residents directly to jobs across the region. The project represents one of several efforts turning long-discussed plans into actual buildings on underused land.

Leaders in land-use planning note that sites immediately adjacent to rail infrastructure represent prime opportunities for taller residential structures. This approach makes efficient use of existing transit investments while expanding housing choices in established neighborhoods.

Source: The Mercury News

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.

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