TRANSACTIONS NEWSLETTER ONLINE

July/August 1999: TLC

Ohlone-Chynoweth Commons, San Jose

Illustrated Project Descriptions

The nonprofit Eden Housing, Inc. is bringing a piece of Eden to Silicon Valley by means of an affordable housing development adjacent to the Ohlone-Chynoweth light-rail station in San Jose. The rental housing development is taking shape on an under-used parking lot leased from the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). In addition to 194 attractive townhomes and flats, the $30 million family-oriented complex will provide on-site childcare, a community center and a computer learning center as well as retail spaces that will house commuter conveniences such as a dry cleaner's, coffee shop or video store.

A $574,450 TLC capital grant (to be matched with $66,000 in funds from the city of San Jose) will cover streetscape improvements along Chynoweth Avenue, Main Street and Pearl Street, essentially creating an inviting pedestrian link between the complex and the light-rail station, which serves the main line of the Guadalupe Corridor light-rail system as well as the spur line to the Almaden station.

The TLC-funded components -- consisting of lighting, sidewalks, paving and landscaping along the project's perimeter -- are intended to encourage use of the adjacent light-rail line and reduce reliance on cars for work trips as well as errands.(Click image to enlarge)

Featuring classic California stucco-style architecture, the housing is notable for the variety of unit types, and a range of amenities that will include a mist-cooled "bamboo forest" play area for children. Construction commenced in June, with completion set for December of 2000. (Click image to enlarge)

By providing direct access to the regional transit system, the development removes a key barrier to economic advancement for the low-income families that will reside there. "It's a great location, and it's affordable to people who might not otherwise be able to rent an apartment in San Jose," said Jeff Bennett, project manager for Eden Housing.

-- Brenda Kahn

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