Tall & Urban News

Developers of the CityView Plaza development in Downtown San Jose, California, have had a change of direction, converting a major portion from office use to residential. The site, located at the northeast corner of Almaden Boulevard and Park Avenue, had previously been approved for a large commercial campus but will now include 320 residential units. Construction had been paused in 2023 due to unfavorable market conditions. It is now restarting under the new proposal.

The revised project, which includes a large commercial-to-residential conversion, reflects a broader trend following reduced demand for office space since the pandemic. Though the Bay Area has been a part of numerous discussions around such conversions, few projects have advanced, making this a significant move forward for the community and future development.

The San Jose City Council originally approved the development in June 2020. The current changes will not affect the number or height of buildings already approved. In addition to the repurposed office buildings, the project will feature a new 27-story high-rise residential building, which will add another 360 housing units to the site.

Commercial space is not being entirely eliminated, and the existing 15-story office tower at 150 Almaden, which measures 18,952 square meters, will undergo renovations and not be converted. The broader site plan also includes 3,252 square meters of future retail space.

Future residents will benefit from walkable access to downtown amenities, shared green spaces, a fitness and wellness center, and a rooftop pool. A previously built underground parking garage is expected to be adapted for either residential or retail use as part of the redevelopment.

Learn more at SF YIMBY.