California Construction News staff writer
A major milestone was reached at 525 N Capitol in San Jose, with the topping out of The Fielden, a five-storey affordable housing development now reaching its full structural height.
The achievement was recognized with a topping out lunch on site, bringing together project teams, partners, and trades to acknowledge the progress to date. Following the celebration, the project team led a jobsite tour, highlighting construction advancements and explaining key structural and design decisions as the building moves into its next phase.
The Fielden is being developed as a culturally responsive housing community intended to serve displaced and long-time residents of East San Jose. Once complete, the project will provide permanent housing for veterans, individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and other low-income households.
Design work for the development is led by David Barker Architects, with CDP Builders serving as general contractor in partnership with Cahill Contractors.
In addition to residential units, the project will include a range of resident-serving amenities. These include a ground-floor lobby and common areas, bicycle and vehicle parking, a landscaped community courtyard, and a shared kitchen space expected to be operated by a local nonprofit focused on food justice and community farming initiatives.
Financing for the development draws from a multi-layered public and private funding structure. Key contributors include tax-exempt bonds and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, along with support from the City of San Jose’s Measure E fund and Measure A and I/DD allocations from Santa Clara County. Additional funding includes an Infill Infrastructure Grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development and support through programs administered by the California Department of Developmental Services.
Private financing partners include First Citizens Bank providing the construction loan, Citi as the permanent lender, and CREA, LLC acting as the equity investor.
With the structure now topped out, the project team is transitioning toward enclosure, interior systems, and finishing work ahead of anticipated completion in the coming phases of construction.
