New permits have been filed to replace two single-family homes at 1271 and 1279 East Julian Street with just over three hundred units of fully affordable housing. The updated filing has more than doubled the dwelling count for the proposal in the Five Wounds neighborhood in San Jose, close to the planned 28th Street/Little Portugal BART Station. Integrated Community Development is the project sponsor.
The updated filing will rise 85 feet tall from the 0.98-acre site and contain 305 dwellings, including two larger units for on-site managers. The manager units will be two-bedroom and three-bedroom residences. The remaining 303 residences will be studios priced as affordable to low-income households. The permit does not specify if the site includes vehicular parking, and illustrations indicate that much of the first two floors will be used for housing, in contrast with previous plans.
1279 East Julian Street, rendering by Ten Over Studio
The developer is seeking a 220% density bonus, with a concession for private open space. Integrated Community Development and San Jose-based Hestia Real Estate filed the permit application.
According to recent reporting by Devan Patel for the Silicon Valley Business Journal, Y & M Architects is now responsible for design. Illustrations shared by the news outlet reveal a typical podium-style complex with an articulated collage-style facade. Brick veneer will provide a strong visual foundation for the lower two floors, while black cladding will delineate the top level.
1279 East Julian Street, image by Google Street View
Construction is expected to last around seventeen months from groundbreaking to completion. The developer has invoked Assembly Bill 1449 to exempt the fully affordable project from CEQA review.
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The designs are adequate and would be acceptable in most modern high density neighborhoods. But, why not have the architecture reflect and honor the Five Wounds/Little Portugal neighborhood and its history? Portugal has such colorful and vibrant architecture, yet these drawings are American Bland. Changes to the facades would at least enliven the buildings and the surrounding neighborhood.
Consider a brighter facade color, every neighborhood can use one !