The San Jose planning commission has provided key approval recommendations to construct a mixed-use residential proposal at 1663 Alum Rock Avenue. The developers have named the project ‘the Little Portugal Gateway,’ for being in the Little Portugal neighborhood of San Jose. It will be a substantial mid-density increase to the currently low-density area. 123 new apartments will be built, ranging from studios to two-beds. SiliconSage Builders are responsible for development.
Little Portugal Gateway at 1663 Alum Rock Avenue elevation, by SiliconSage Builders
The commission approved three critical aspects of the development. Firstly, demolition of the existing structures. This includes a single-story apartment building and three commercial buildings yielding a combined 5,500 square feet. Second, the commission approved the ordinance to rezone the lot to accommodate the new housing project. The area is part of what the San Jose city calls ‘urban villages’ zoning, a moniker applied to the city’s plan for increasing normal urban development in a predominantly single-family-zoned city. Lastly, the commission approved a Mitigated Negative Declaration, clearing yet one more bureaucratic hurdle.
Little Portugal Gateway at 1663 Alum Rock Avenue, by SiliconSage Builders
The facade is bold, with solid primary colors. It evokes a playful character that engages with the neighborhood’s culture. Along for the ride are decorative steel railings and prominent arches by the ground and top floors. Adding more flair to the Little Portugal Gateway are the Talavera decorative tiles, a unique design derived from Mexican and Spanish pottery. The skin will be a cement plaster for the colors and a smooth stone for the off-white portions.
Little Portugal Gateway at 1663 Alum Rock Avenue landscaped terrace, by SiliconSage Builders
The proposed 8-story structure will yield over 210,000 square feet, including 113,560 square feet for residential use, 83,880 square feet for 170 parking spaces, and nearly 20,000 square feet for open space. That open space includes the 4,280 square foot roof deck. The commercial space on site will be more than doubled compared with its existing condition, going up to 13,650 square feet.
The address is along a major transit thoroughfare, between King Road and North 34th Street. Future residents are in close proximity to the 22, 23, 77, and Rapid 523 Bus Lines, bringing commuters to downtown San Jose and the Milpitas BART station.
An estimated completion date has not been announced.
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SiliconSage….hire someone to tone it down. sheesh.
Wow that is pretty colorful but not in a good way
If the alternative is reflective glass, then I say break out the paint!