Expanding Affordable Housing in San Jose's Guadalupe-Washington Neighborhood

San Jose continues to build toward a more inclusive future with the Lupina development, a six-story structure at 797 South Almaden Avenue (near Downtown San Jose) that will deliver 99 affordable housing units. Resources for Community Development, based in Berkeley, leads the effort with $98.6 million in secured financing, including a $53.3 million construction loan from JPMorgan Chase and $28.9 million from Santa Clara County. This funding paves the way for a mix of 26 studios, 28 one-bedroom units, 25 two-bedroom units, and 20 three-bedroom units, all targeted at households earning 30% to 60% of the area median income.

Community needs take center stage in Lupina's design. The ground floor dedicates 2,300 square feet to commercial space, featuring a childcare center pinpointed during early outreach with neighbors. The project also includes 25 permanent supportive housing units, 41 extremely low-income units, and 32 low-income units. Residents will benefit from 1,892 square feet of support services, a community room, on-site property management, and a lobby. Outdoor spaces total over 6,000 square feet, with ground-level play areas, benches, landscaping, and a vegetated second-floor courtyard.

Sustainability and accessibility define the building's features. As an all-electric structure with rooftop solar panels, it aims to reduce operational energy use by 50%. Parking accommodates 92 vehicles with EV charging capabilities and 127 bicycles, with access from W. Virginia Street. The ground level is elevated to mitigate flooding, and the project earned a Finding of No Significant Impact under the National Environmental Policy Act, clearing the path for federal funding without a full environmental impact statement.

Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects crafted the design to blend with the neighborhood's residential character while addressing local priorities. Construction, handled by Nibbi Brothers General Contractors, starts November 17, with occupancy slated for 2028. Demolition of existing fire-damaged structures awaits final federal approvals to protect funding streams.

Lupina represents a key piece of San Jose's housing strategy, adding transit-oriented options near VTA light rail in an underserved area. With family-sized units, on-site services managed by Resources for Community Development and John Stewart Company, this development supports San Jose's growth as a welcoming place for all.

Source: SVBJ

New 737-Unit Housing Project Boosts North San Jose's Growth

San Jose has greenlit a major residential development that will bring 737 new homes to a long-vacant site in North San Jose. This multi-phase project from Valley Oak Partners turns nearly 10 acres between River Oaks Parkway, Iron Point Drive, and Cisco Way into a vibrant community. With proximity to key tech employers like Cisco, Intel, and Broadcom, the development supports the area's role as an innovation center by providing housing options close to work.

The project features a seven-story building with 505 market-rate apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. A separate five-story structure will house 132 fully affordable apartments, available at up to 80 percent of the area median income for Santa Clara County. Additionally, 100 for-sale townhouses in 14 three-story buildings will offer variety for families and individuals looking to put down roots.

This approval comes as San Jose works to meet its goal of 62,200 new housing units by 2031, despite past challenges with permitting and construction costs. North San Jose stands out with several large-scale projects advancing, including the Facchino Family's mixed-income neighborhood near the BART station and Hanover Company's Coyote Creek Village, which will add nearly 1,500 homes.

Community feedback shaped the final plans, leading to preserved redwood trees where possible and public improvements like enhanced crosswalks, wider sidewalks, and contributions to bike lanes on Cisco Way. These elements address concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic, and greenery, ensuring the development integrates well with the neighborhood.

Source: The Mercury News

Urban Catalyst Downgrades Housing Vision in Downtown San Jose

Urban Catalyst is updating their dual high-rise proposal into two eight-story residential buildings. The project shifts from earlier office and housing concepts to focus solely on apartments, delivering 626 units across sites at 147 E. Santa Clara St. and 95 N. Fourth St. This adaptation uses wood-frame construction for efficiency and cost reduction, allowing the development to progress amid economic realities while addressing the city's housing needs.

The first phase targets the corner of East St. John and North Fourth streets near St. James Park, replacing an empty commercial property. The second phase follows at East Santa Clara and North Fourth, currently a Chevron gas station that may operate a few more years. Each building includes about 300 units and incorporates ground-level commercial and retail space along East Santa Clara Street, enhancing street activity in the area.

Leveraging Senate Bill 330 for streamlined approvals, the development requires around $300 million in investments, with costs per building estimated at $130 million to $150 million. This approach prioritizes feasibility and speed to combat the housing shortage.

Source: The Mercury News

El Paseo de Saratoga Rises: Transforming San Jose's Landscape

Construction has started at at El Paseo de Saratoga, a major redevelopment turning a dated shopping center into a vibrant mixed-use community. Located along Saratoga Avenue and Lawrence Expressway near Westgate Center, this 10-acre site once held surface parking, big box stores, and an office building. Now, crews have begun demolition to make way for modern apartments, senior living facilities, and retail spaces that promise to enhance daily life for residents.

The project includes 772 apartments spread across two high-rise buildings, with the tallest reaching 12 stories and housing 398 units alongside 14,140 square feet of retail. A second 10-story structure adds 374 apartments and 17,450 square feet of ground-level shops. Complementing these is a seven-story senior care facility with 263 beds, designed to support comfortable living for older adults. A single-story Whole Foods grocery store anchors the commercial side, ensuring convenient access to fresh goods right in the neighborhood.

Thoughtful design elements elevate the development, such as floor-to-ceiling windows in the apartment towers accented by white metal panels, and balconies with brick veneer on the senior building. Public courtyards, landscaped pathways, and a park along Quito Road create inviting outdoor spaces for gatherings and relaxation. These features blend urban convenience with green areas, fostering a sense of community in southwest San Jose.

With amended plans approved by the city in December 2024, the transformation is well underway, though groundbreaking details remain forthcoming. Full construction will span nearly four years, ultimately replacing underused land with a dynamic urban village. Projects like this highlight San Jose's forward momentum, drawing more people to experience the city's blend of innovation and livability.

Sand Hill Property Company leads the effort in partnership with Holland Partners and Sunrise Senior Living, with architecture from Solomon Cordwell Buenz for the apartments and Lantz Boggio Architects for the senior facility.

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Source: SF YIMBY

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