Breaking Ground on The Fielden: Affordable Housing Takes Root in San Jose's Alum Rock Neighborhood

Construction has started on a new 160-unit affordable housing complex at 525 North Capitol Avenue in San Jose's Alum Rock area. Known as The Fielden, this five-story development replaces earlier plans for an office building. The project, led by Community Development Partners, marks their first venture in San Jose and stands as their most expensive to date, with a total cost of $123 million. Funding comes from multiple sources, including $8 million from Santa Clara County through the Measure A Affordable Housing Bond and a $26 million loan from the city of San Jose, which owns the site.

The Fielden will feature a variety of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom apartments spread across a one-acre lot, totaling about 42,000 square feet. Among these, 52 units are set aside for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness, homeless veterans, or those with disabilities, emphasizing support for vulnerable community members. Its location offers convenient access to the VTA light rail, making it easier for residents to connect with jobs, services, and other parts of the city. Completion is slated for June 2027, promising to add much-needed housing options in a growing urban landscape.

Community Development Partners is exploring a collaboration with local nonprofit Veggielution, which could involve a shared kitchen space in the building to promote community activities around food and farming. This initiative aligns with San Jose's efforts to build smarter and more inclusively, focusing on vertical growth to accommodate more people without sprawling into surrounding natural areas.

Source: SVBJ

New Townhomes Set to Enhance Cambrian Neighborhood in San Jose

San Jose is advancing its housing initiatives with the completion of the environmental report for a townhome project at 5670 Camden Avenue in the Cambrian area. Developer Mana Camden Fund LLC proposes 108 units spread across 32 structures, transforming baseball fields and green space behind Beacon School into residential spaces. This development leverages the Builder’s Remedy under the Housing Accountability Act for efficient approvals, including 22 deed-restricted low-income affordable units to support diverse community needs.

The irregularly shaped site will feature an internal street network connecting to Camden Avenue and Singletree Way, with ample parking for 243 vehicles and 40 bicycles. Residents can anticipate modern living options that integrate seamlessly into the neighborhood, fostering stronger local connections.

With the Draft Environmental Impact Report now available, the City of San Jose welcomes public input through September 30 to shape the final version. Construction timelines point to about 34 months of work, marking another step in expanding housing opportunities across the city.

Source: SF YIMBY

San Jose Pioneers Affordable Housing with First ADU Condo Sale

San Jose has marked a significant milestone by becoming the first city in California to approve the sale of an accessory dwelling unit as a condominium. This achievement opens new pathways for homeownership and addresses the pressing need for more housing options in the region. The inaugural unit at 410 Josefa Street, near Diridon Station, stands as a model for future developments, already occupied by tenants and ready for market.

Enabled by Assembly Bill 1033, which took effect in 2024, this initiative allows ADUs to be sold independently from the main residence. Cupertino-based AlphaX RE Capital led the project, with the city's Department of Public Works completing the necessary parcel map review in just 60 days. Such efficiency demonstrates San Jose's commitment to streamlining processes that support innovative housing solutions.

Since 2022, the city has approved 1,500 ADUs, accounting for over 20 percent of its new housing production. These units provide an accessible entry into ownership, particularly for those seeking affordable alternatives in a competitive market. AlphaX RE Capital plans to develop more than 80 additional spaces, expanding opportunities across neighborhoods.

To assist residents and developers, San Jose offers resources like the ADU Condominium Checklist and the longstanding ADU Universal Checklist, which simplify permitting and conversion steps. The addition of two ADU Ally positions in the Building Division further eases navigation through the process, ensuring more people can participate in this growing trend.

This development highlights San Jose's proactive approach to housing challenges, fostering a community where innovation meets practicality. As the city continues to lead in such efforts, residents gain fresh ways to build equity and stability right in their backyards.

Source: SVBJ

Affordable Housing Takes Center Stage at 1197 Lick Avenue

Local developers, The Core Cos. and Republic Urban Properties, have shifted their plans to prioritize affordable housing at 1197 Lick Avenue. The revised proposal now includes 135 units of affordable housing, a significant increase from the original plan. Located next to Tamien Station, the development offers unparalleled access to Caltrain, Amtrak, VTA, and other public transit options. This prime location means residents can easily commute to work, access essential services, and enjoy the nearby amenities that make San Jose a desirable place to live. The project’s focus on affordability, paired with its transit-oriented design, makes it a standout in the city’s efforts to create housing that works for all.

Designed by Studio T-Square, the development will feature three buildings, each five stories tall, with a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. The affordable units are specifically set aside for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area’s median income, addressing a critical gap in San Jose’s housing market. Additionally, the project includes a ground-floor child-care center, which will serve up to 60 students, further enhancing the community’s resources. The pivot to affordable housing was driven by funding opportunities and the desire to deliver a project that meets the city’s most pressing needs.

With median rents soaring to $2,500 and a homeownership rate of just 55%, the city has been grappling with affordability for years. The development at 1197 Lick Avenue is a crucial step toward easing this burden, offering relief to low-income families and individuals who have long been priced out of the market. It also aligns with San Jose’s broader goals for transit-oriented growth, ensuring that housing is not only affordable but also sustainable and connected.

Source: SF YIMBY