California Construction News staff writer
A 15-story multifamily affordable housing development has been approved for downtown San Jose’s SoFA district, after almost a decade of planning.
San Jose Planning Director Chris Burton approved the 220-apartment development, known as Gateway Tower, at a hearing on Feb. 26. The complex, designed by DLR Group, will be 100 percent affordable housing, including 55 permanent supportive apartments and 165 apartments for very low income households. The 0.5 acre site will include 3,320 square feet of ground floor commercial space.
Previously, Core Companies planned a 20-story tower with three hundred market-rate apartments. Later, the plans evolved to a potential 24-story tower with 300 affordable units.
Burton’s approval came following a recommendation from the Historical Landmark Commission to deny the project’s request to demolish portions of Herrold College after commissioners argued developers failed to show they’d face financial burdens by having to build around the historical site.
“The applicant stated that preservation of the city landmark building presents multiple challenges to the development of the site,” Angela Wang, city project manager, said at the hearing.
