780 Reasons to Celebrate: San Jose's Bold Move for Affordable Housing

San Jose is making waves with an ambitious project in the Alviso district, right next to the lively Topgolf venue. A development team is set to construct 780 affordable homes on a 3.2-acre site at 7 Topgolf Drive. This massive undertaking promises to ease the Bay Area's housing crunch, offering a fresh start for families seeking affordable options in a city known for its high costs. What’s more, the project leans on innovative construction techniques to deliver these homes faster and more efficiently than ever.

The secret weapon behind this development is the builder’s remedy, a state law that helps developers sidestep local zoning hurdles when they dedicate at least 20% of their units to affordable housing. Here, all 780 homes will be affordable, paving the way for a swift approval process. Los Angeles-based LH Housing is spearheading the effort, collaborating with city planners to ensure this game-changing project moves forward without delay.

Partnering with LH Housing is Cloud Apartments, a Bay Area company bringing modular construction to the table. These factory-built apartments snap together on-site, slashing both time and expense. It’s a clever approach that could redefine how affordable housing takes shape in San Jose, proving that innovation and necessity can go hand in hand.

City planners are fully engaged, working side by side with the developers to bring this vision to life. North San Jose, a thriving job hub, stands to benefit immensely from this influx of housing. Experts emphasize the value of placing affordable homes near employment centers, cutting commute times and boosting quality of life for residents.

The site itself tells a story of transformation. Once earmarked for an entertainment district with restaurants and hotels, those plans faded away. Now, this land is poised for a new purpose—housing that meets a critical need. Alongside a nearby data center complex, it signals a shift toward practical, community-focused development in Alviso.

With 780 homes on the horizon, San Jose is tackling the housing crisis head-on, blending affordability with smart design. If this project succeeds, it could light the way for similar efforts across the region.

Source: The Mercury News

Ellore Opens in Santa Clara, Offering Luxury High-Rise Senior Living

Ellore, a luxury senior living community located in The Clara District has welcomed its first residents. Ellore is tailored for the generation that fueled Silicon Valley’s rise. With 176 residences offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care, this community brings a fresh approach to senior living right in our backyard.

Ellore stands out with its sophisticated design and top-tier amenities. The interiors feature warm wood tones, elegant marble, and calming neutral hues, creating a welcoming environment. Residents can enjoy a rejuvenation spa, an outdoor saltwater plunge pool, a fitness center, a penthouse lounge, and even a state-of-the-art movie theater on the 20th floor. The pool is one of only two in Silicon Valley that are located on the penthouse floor of a high-rise building. Executive Chef Kevin Vu leads the culinary program, offering delicious meals at The Summit Room and drinks at Clara’s Bar and Lounge. It’s a place where comfort meets elegance, designed with Silicon Valley’s trailblazers in mind.

The location adds to its appeal. Ellore sits in a lively, walkable neighborhood with stunning views of Silicon Valley's natural landscapes, including the Alviso salt ponds and foothills. It’s close to dining, parks, and transit options, making it easy for residents to stay connected to the broader Bay Area. Developed by Related California and managed by Oakmont Management Group, Ellore is raising the bar for what senior living can be in our region.

This opening is a win for the Silicon Valley area, showcasing how our communities continue to evolve and cater to every stage of life. For those in San Jose looking for a luxurious, supportive option for themselves or loved ones, Ellore is worth a visit. For more information, head over here.

Microsoft Bets Big on North San Jose with New Data Center

Even as Microsoft pauses other investment plans across the country, the company is pushing ahead with a North San Jose data center that has been in planning since 2017. The data center will utilize 397,200 SQFT on a 64.5-acre site at 1657 Alviso-Milpitas Road. The data center is expected to generate approximately $8.4 million in development impact fees and more than $10 million in annual property tax revenue. This financial influx will provide resources for city improvements, from upgraded infrastructure to enhanced public services.

The data center will likely draw more businesses and talent to North San Jose, sparking a ripple effect of growth and opportunity. Already home to numerous tech companies, this area is on track to become an even more dynamic center of innovation. The city stands to gain between $3.6 million and $6.4 million in annual revenue from taxes and fees related to the project.

San Jose’s leadership deserves credit for creating an environment that welcomes such developments. By streamlining processes and investing in infrastructure, the city has positioned itself as a partner to tech innovation. The Microsoft data center is a direct result of these efforts, and it hints at more exciting projects on the horizon.

Source: SiliconValley.com

Alviso's Tech Transformation: A New Data Center Hub

San Jose's northern district of Alviso is stepping into the spotlight with a bold new proposal. A massive data center is on the horizon, set to transform a patch of land once dreamed up as part of an entertainment district.

Located near the popular Topgolf venue, this proposed development includes a three-story data center spanning 295,100 square feet, paired with a three-story energy supply facility adding another 167,400 square feet—totaling a whopping 462,500 square feet. This is a step up from an earlier proposal of 346,900 square feet, showing growing ambition for the site.

The story of this land adds a fascinating twist. Back in 2018, Terra Ventures envisioned an entertainment district here, complete with restaurants, shops, hotels, and the Topgolf that’s now a local favorite. While most of that vision didn’t materialize—one hotel site at 7 Topgolf Drive even faced foreclosure—the area is now pivoting to tech and residential growth. That same hotel site is being considered for 780 affordable apartments, proving San Jose’s ability to adapt and thrive.

Challenges like securing enough electricity for the data center and financing affordable housing are real, but they haven’t slowed the excitement. This project could help draw more tech giants, spark job growth, and solidify San Jose’s place as a global tech powerhouse.

Source: The Mercury News

The Clara: Luxury Silicon Valley Living

If you’re looking for a reason to get excited about residential growth happening in our region, let me introduce you to The Clara, a jaw-dropping 22-story luxury residential development that’s setting a new standard for Silicon Valley. It's the tallest residential building in Silicon Valley outside of Downtown San Jose. Located in Santa Clara’s new Clara District, across the street from Levi's Stadium and just a short drive or Light Rail ride from Downtown San Jose.

A New Icon in Santa Clara

Imagine living in a place where sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, the Diablo Range, and the Santa Cruz Mountains greet you every day. That’s the reality at The Clara, a masterpiece designed by the world-class team at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, with interiors crafted by AvroKO and landscapes by Surfacedesign, Inc.. With 508 homes—ranging from sleek studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, townhomes, and penthouses—this 22-story tower offers something for everyone.

Nick Vanderboom, Chief Operating Officer at Related California, sums it up perfectly:

“The Clara offers a completely new standard of living in Silicon Valley, providing residents with a level design, amenities and services that are unmatched in this market. The Clara will anchor The Clara District, a vibrant new neighborhood in north Santa Clara with public parks, new restaurants and retail, offering residents an exceptional living experience in the heart of Silicon Valley.”

Design That Speaks to the Soul of Northern California

The Clara isn’t just a building—it’s a love letter to Northern California. The architecture draws inspiration from our region’s natural beauty, using local materials and organic forms to create a seamless connection with the environment. David Miller, AIA, Principal at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, explains:

“It has been a great pleasure working with Related to establish a new precedent for high-rise living in Silicon Valley. Inspired by urban and natural context, the design of The Clara creates elevated residential and amenity environments that have an intrinsic connection to their surroundings.”

Step inside, and you’ll find homes that blend laid-back elegance with modern luxury. Think open gourmet kitchens with Italian cabinetry, Caesarstone countertops, and Bosch smart appliances, paired with bathrooms featuring custom vanities and glass-enclosed showers. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood each space with light, while the penthouses and townhomes kick it up a notch with Thermador appliances, wine refrigerators, and private courtyards. Andrew Lieberman, Managing Principal and Design Director at AvroKO, describes the vibe:

“At The Clara, we aimed to create a relaxed yet sophisticated environment that reflects the laid-back sensibility of the region. By using local woods, curated stones, and ceramics, we anchored the design with a strong sense of place.”

Amenities That Rival a Five-Star Resort

Living at The Clara means having access to amenities that make every day feel like a vacation. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:

• A 6,500-square-foot fitness and yoga studio with a sauna, steam room, and private treatment room.
• The Twenty-Two Lounge, complete with a private dining room, demonstration kitchen, and—yes—a karaoke room!
• The Redwood Den, a cozy fireside lounge and library for unwinding.
• The Parkside Lounge, an indoor-outdoor coworking space with conference rooms.
• A children’s playground, dog run, and pet spa for the little ones (and furry friends!).

The real showstopper? The 8th-floor sun terrace, overlooking the foothills and Levi’s Stadium, with a 75-foot lap pool, spa, cold plunges, grilling stations, a pizza oven, and bocce courts. Plus, a rooftop deck with a firepit offers panoramic views that’ll leave you speechless. James Lord, Founding Partner of Surfacedesign, Inc., ties it all together:

“As landscape architects, we are always interested in connecting people to their natural surroundings, and here at The Clara, the landscape design is an expression of the evocative colors of the San Francisco Bay Salt Ponds.”

The Clara isn’t just a standalone gem—it’s the heart of The Clara District, an emerging neighborhood that’s bringing new energy to Santa Clara and North San Jose. With pedestrian and bike pathways, new restaurants, boutique fitness spots, and entertainment options like Levi’s Stadium all within walking distance, this area is buzzing with potential.

Pricing

Ready to call The Clara home? Pricing starts at:

• Studios: $3,460
• One-bedrooms: $4,165
• Two-bedrooms: $5,614
• Three-bedrooms: $6,777
• Penthouses and townhomes: Pricing available upon request

Want to see it for yourself? Visit www.theclara.com or call 408-922-9000 to schedule a tour.

AVE Santa Clara Brings Elevated Apartment Living to Silicon Valley’s New Clara District

Silicon Valley just got a major upgrade with the grand opening of AVE Santa Clara, a sleek new residential community that’s raising the bar for apartment living. Announced on February 25, 2025, this project—brought to life by the award-winning team at AVE (a Korman Communities brand) and their partners at Ensemble Investments, LLC—is now open and ready for move-ins at 2240 Calle de Luna in the emerging Clara District. Located just steps from Levi’s Stadium, this isn’t just another apartment complex—it’s a lifestyle hub designed for the modern Silicon Valley crowd.

With 311 apartments spread across eight stories, the property offers a mix of traditional unfurnished rentals and fully furnished units with flexible lease terms—perfect for tech professionals, remote workers, or anyone looking for a hassle-free move. Studios start at $2,811, one-bedrooms at $3,110, two-bedrooms at $4,881, and three-bedrooms at $6,590. Inside, you’ll find stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, in-unit Samsung washers and dryers, and blackout shades in the bedrooms (great for young kids).

But the real star is a whopping 36,200 square feet of indoor-outdoor amenities. We’re talking a two-story fitness center, a resort-style pool with a hot tub and firepit lounges, a zen courtyard with a yoga lawn, and even a dog park and pet spa for your four-legged roommates. There’s also a game room, movie/sports lounge, private work pods, and conference rooms on every floor—because work-from-home life isn’t going anywhere. Oh, and the cherry on top: the AVEnture Hub, a first-of-its-kind perk where residents can borrow bikes, kayaks, and camping gear for free to explore the Bay Area’s outdoor treasures.

Right next door, Clara’s Junction is an 18,000-square-foot indoor-outdoor social spot that’s already shaping up to be a South Bay hotspot. It's a New American restaurant and bar with craft cocktails, Taz’s Tacos (a resident taco truck!), and The Pit, a live BBQ joint hosting guest pitmasters.

The Clara District is buzzing with potential, and AVE Santa Clara is right in the thick of it. You’re a stone’s throw from Levi’s Stadium, close to heavy hitters like Nvidia, Apple, Facebook, and Google, and just minutes from San Jose Mineta International Airport. Plus, the VTA light rail is nearby for an easy ride to Downtown San Jose. It’s the kind of spot that screams Silicon Valley convenience with a side of fun.

AVE Santa Clara is officially leasing now, so if you’re ready to level up your living situation, head to aveliving.com for more details and to apply. With its unbeatable location, next-level amenities, and a community vibe that’s all about connection, this place is poised to become a South Bay standout.