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

VTA Headquarters Relocation Opens Door to Hundreds of New Affordable Homes on North First Street

San Jose will welcome a significant shift in land use later this year when the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority relocates roughly 500 employees from its longtime North First Street headquarters into a Downtown office space.

The move will open the agency's 17-acre campus, home to operations since the early 1990s, for phased redevelopment that begins with a 330-unit affordable apartment project on 2.5 acres led by Eden Housing.

Future phases across the full site hold potential for as many as 1,100 housing units alongside office and retail elements, turning underutilized agency land into vibrant, transit-connected neighborhoods.

Eden Housing brings experience from recent Bay Area successes such as Mitchell Park Place in Palo Alto, and the initial phase will draw on tax credits plus grants from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

This approach aligns with VTA's broader transit-oriented development efforts, including the upcoming Berryessa affordable housing project, all designed to increase ridership while delivering much-needed homes near existing transit infrastructure.

New Heights for Senior Living in Downtown San Jose

Planners approved the transformation of a key site at 19 North 2nd Street into a 22-story mixed-use tower. The plans incorporated the historic facade of the Realty Building and called for 220 affordable studio apartments aimed at residents aged 55 and older, placed above nearly 18,643 square feet of commercial space.

The transit-oriented setup positioned the tower ideally for easy access to light rail and bus lines. Future residents will navigate the city without needing on-site parking, thanks to basement bicycle parking and the prime location in central Downtown San Jose. Rooftop common areas will provide spots for connection and breathtaking skyline vistas.

Seniors will gain an opportunity to thrive in the vibrant core of the city, close to parks, shops, and cultural spots. Ground-floor commercial activity will bring new energy to this part of Downtown, filling another gap on a key corner and creating benefits that ripple out to the entire community.

Source: Sequoia and Tsovo Massena, hat tip to Wendy Warren for sending this in!

San Jose Advances Plans for 272 Affordable Homes Along West San Carlos Street

Site development permits filed recently have propelled forward an addition of 272 fully affordable apartments at 860 West San Carlos Street. Swenson partnered with Republic Urban Properties to create this seven-story building that will stand 79 feet tall across a 2.2-acre site between Sunol Street and Swenson Drive, completing the final phase alongside the established Silver at Ohlone and Patina@Midtown communities.

A thoughtful mix of residences will cater to diverse needs with 107 one-bedroom units, 96 two-bedroom homes, and 69 three-bedroom options. Shared amenities centered on third-floor podium courtyards will include a fitness center, computer room, multipurpose space, and storage for 76 bicycles. The 242-space garage will support practical living while encouraging use of nearby transit.

Those who settle here will appreciate the short stroll or bike ride to Diridon Station, providing easy access to Caltrain, Light Rail, BRT and eventually BART and California High Speed Rail (maybe). While it's not a high-rise, it is dense for the area.

Source: SF YIMBY

East San Jose's Light Rail Extension Advances Toward 2028 Opening

San Jose marks a significant step forward in public transit with the ongoing construction of the VTA Orange Line extension, a 2.4-mile addition that connects East San Jose more directly to the broader Bay Area network. This project, the first light rail expansion in over two decades, stretches from Alum Rock Station along Capitol Expressway to a new terminus at Eastridge Transit Center. Elevated viaducts carry the line above busy roadways, minimizing disruptions and enhancing safety for riders and drivers alike.

The extension includes two new stations designed for convenience and accessibility. An elevated stop at Story Road features pedestrian bridges, elevators, and stairs to link seamlessly with surrounding neighborhoods. The at-grade station at Tully Road integrates with the Eastridge Mall and existing bus services, making transfers straightforward. This setup supports local businesses during construction and promises to boost foot traffic once operational, invigorating commercial areas like shopping centers and eateries along the route.

Beyond immediate connectivity, the line links to BART at Milpitas, opening up efficient travel options to destinations across the region. Residents in East San Jose gain reliable alternatives to car travel amid growing congestion on major arterials. The development also highlights opportunities for smarter land use, such as reimagining underutilized spaces like Reid-Hillview Airport for community benefits.

The total budget exceeds $650 million and the grand opening is anticipated for 2028 (a year earlier than planned).

For more details, watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiHmXvXd6KU

Source: Usedmedia on Skyscraper City