Martha Gardens Project Breaks Ground in San Jose

The affordable multifamily project known as Martha Gardens has broken ground at its location of 802 South 1st Street in San Jose. The project, which has been in the planning and preparation phase for more than four years, has made a major step towards eventual completion. John Nicolas and developers at The Pacific Companies were specifically called out in the announcement for their dedication and assistance in seeing the project through to this stage.

The project previously struggled to secure the funding necessary for completion, but in June of 2024, SF YIMBY was able to report an agreement between developers and PNC National Bank that managed to bridge the funding gap.

Now underway, the 83-foot-tall structure will yield an approximate total of 164,660 square feet. Of that, 1,510 square feet will be designated for retail, and additional space will be allocated to parking for 90 cars and 43 bicycles in a ground-floor garage. Separate amenities will include common outdoor areas and a courtyard spanning nearly 10,000 square feet of open space.

Of the 166-unit capacity for the project, 18 apartments will be for very-low-income households earning at or below 50% of the Area median Income, and 15 homes will be for low-income households earning at or below 80% AMI.

AO Architects is responsible for the building’s final design, with renderings showing a podium-style infill with emphasis on the corner vertical element. Meanwhile, Setbacks and white panels will be used to deemphasize the overall scale.

802 South 1st Street rear view, rendering courtesy Maracor Development

The project site is located along South First Street between West Virginia Street and Martha Street. Residents will be close to the I-280 overpass that divides the neighborhoods from Downtown San Jose and the SoFA creative district. The walkability of this location will help support its affordability, reducing tenants’ vehicle reliance.

802 South 1st Street, image via Google Satellite with parcel outlined

Subscribe to YIMBY’s daily e-mail

Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates
Like YIMBY on Facebook
Follow YIMBY’s Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews