Tamien Station Apartments Open as Affordable Housing Near San Jose Transit

Tamien Station Apartments is San Jose's first new transit-oriented housing development in more than 20 years. Situated next to the Tamien Light Rail and Caltrain station on Lick Avenue, the project offers 135 units that connect residents directly to public transportation for easier commutes and daily travel.

Units include one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments available to families earning below 60 percent of the area median income. Over half provide rapid rehousing support to assist individuals and families moving from homelessness. Amenities feature on-site daycare, a rooftop playground, food pantry, fitness room, and shared community spaces to support everyday needs.

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority developed the site from a former VTA parking lot, leasing it to Urban Co Tamien LLC, a joint venture of Core and Republic Urban Properties. This marks the initial phase of a broader mixed-income community planned for 555 units across 1.6 acres.

Such efforts expand access to quality housing integrated with transit, promoting both stability and reducing reliance on cars. Future VTA projects aim to add thousands more homes near stations, building on this foundation for an greater community benefit.

Source: https://www.ktvu.com/news/santa-clara-vta-celebrates-opening-san-jose-affordable-apartments

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

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