California Construction News staff writer
Construction has begun on Canvas, a five-story, 92-unit affordable housing development in downtown Fremont. Community Development Partners (CDP) is developing the $59-million project at 39340 Fremont Boulevard, with completion expected in March 2028.
The development will include studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for households earning 30 to 70 per cent of the area median income. Fifteen units will be reserved for households that include a person with an intellectual or developmental disability, through partnerships with the California Department of Developmental Services and Regional Center of the East Bay.
AO designed the project, and CDP Builders, Community Development Partners’ general contracting division, is the general contractor. Project Access will deliver resident services.
The project supports Fremont’s 2023–2031 Housing Element, which identifies a need for nearly 13,000 new homes, including more than 7,000 affordable units.
“Canvas Apartments moves Fremont forward by expanding high-quality affordable housing near our Downtown,” said Fremont Mayor Raj Salwan. “This project means more families can have a safe, stable place to call home, close to shops, services, and transit. We are strengthening our Downtown and creating more opportunities for people of all incomes to build their future here in Fremont.”
Designed around CDP’s Community For All Ages approach, Canvas will include two courtyards and a ground-floor community room with computers and reading areas. The development is near grocery stores, schools, parks and public transit.
Project Access will provide on-site resident services at no cost, including after-school homework assistance and tutoring, adult education, health and wellness classes, and community events. A resident services coordinator will help residents access benefits and connect with local resources.
“Our mission is to create affordable housing that enriches people’s lives,” said Jessica Woodruff, chief development officer of Community Development Partners. “At Canvas, that means building a community where people of all ages and abilities feel they belong. Through shared spaces and on-site programming, we’re creating opportunities for neighbors to learn from one another, build friendships and support each other in everyday life.”
Community engagement led by Portland State University’s Center for Public Interest Design mapped neighbourhood resources and explored connections between future residents, local organizations and services.
Canvas is targeting LEED certification and will include rooftop solar panels to help offset electricity use in common areas.
The project is financed through a 4 per cent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit allocation, with equity investment from Bank of America. Funding also includes $11 million from the City of Fremont and $1.5 million from the California Department of Developmental Services.
