California Construction News staff writer
A major affordable housing community is moving forward in North San José after developers, transit officials and community leaders gathered Friday to celebrate the groundbreaking of RISE, a 195-unit transit-oriented development adjacent to the Berryessa/North San José BART Station.
The project, led by affordable housing developer Affirmed Housing in partnership with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), will provide much-needed affordable housing for low-income residents and individuals transitioning out of homelessness in one of the nation’s most expensive housing markets.
Built on land leased from VTA, the 10-story development will feature 193 affordable studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income, along with two manager units. Residents will have access to a variety of amenities, including a community room, computer lab, food pantry, children’s play area, community garden and adult education programs coordinated by Compass for Affordable Housing.
“This groundbreaking highlights what strong public-private partnerships can achieve,” said Jimmy Silverwood, president of Affirmed Housing. “By working closely with like-minded partners, we are advancing a transit-oriented development that delivers much-needed housing while connecting residents to jobs, services and opportunity.”
The development places residents within walking distance of BART service, bus connections, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and other neighborhood amenities. RISE will also include nearly 200 bicycle parking spaces and incorporate sustainability-focused design features.
Of the 195 homes, 49 will be designated as permanent supportive housing for extremely low-income residents. Those units will be paired with on-site case management and supportive services aimed at helping residents maintain stable housing and live independently. The permanent supportive housing component is backed by project-based Section 8 vouchers from the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, while the Santa Clara County Office of Supportive Housing provided capital funding and will oversee intensive resident services after occupancy.
VTA officials said the project demonstrates how transportation and housing investments can work together to address regional challenges.
“This project demonstrates the power of partnership in addressing the Bay Area’s housing and transportation challenges,” said Greg Richardson, VTA deputy general manager. “The groundbreaking represents an investment not only in 195 affordable homes, but also in opportunity, mobility and quality of life for families across our community.”
The development received financial support from a broad coalition of public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including the City of San José, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, Destination: Home and the Bay Area Housing Innovation Fund.
County Board of Supervisors President Otto Lee called the project an example of the type of community investment needed to address the region’s housing shortage.
“By creating 195 units of affordable housing near accessible public transit and placing sustainability at the center of the effort, we are delivering the kind of community our residents deserve,” Lee said.
RISE is also the first project in Santa Clara County to receive funding from the Bay Area Housing Innovation Fund, an innovative financing initiative launched in 2024 by Apple, The Sobrato Organization, Destination: Home and the Housing Accelerator Fund. The fund was created to help affordable housing developments bridge financing gaps that can delay construction and increase costs.
Rebecca Foster, CEO of the Housing Accelerator Fund, said the project illustrates the impact of flexible financing.
“RISE is a powerful example of what that can unlock: 195 affordable homes for families at a major transit hub in one of the country’s highest-cost housing markets,” Foster said.
