New documents were posted for the Arbor Building, part of the site development at 255 West Julian Street in San Jose. The Downtown site was part of an original proposal to construct a 14-story office building with ground-floor retail space. However, in 2024, SF YIMBY reported on a shift in project plans to create an 18-story mixed-use building.
Both options are currently permitted by the city, but the most recent development information indicates plans to proceed with the mixed-use project. Developer Urban Community is managing the plan, with a goal of creating 600 new residential units alongside parking and retail space.
255 West Julian Floorplan, image by Studio Gang
Studio Gang will be the project architect for the site. The studio is also responsible for the adjacent 201 West Julian Street, bringing a design continuity to the larger Westbank development area.
The CEQA documents do not include finalized renderings, but tentative façade designs can be interpreted from the plans and elevations. The images currently depict a white and grey façade with recessed windows and balconies. The balconies and ground level are to be decorated in extensive greenery, paying homage to the building’s name of ‘Arbor.’
The building’s location is only a short walk from the Diridon station and multiple VTA light rail stops. Combined with the near proximity to businesses and entertainment, the new building will provide future residents with excellent walkability.
The project has been tentatively scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday, October 1st. Details for that meeting can be found here.
255 West Julian Project Site, image via City of San Jose
255 West Julian Street, via Google Street View
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This looks good, but are we going to see anything be built soon, rents are not exactly skyrocketing, people complain about high rents, but new apartments seem to rent for what a 1960s apartment without many amenities would rent for in SF.
As much as I would love for downtown to grow, I’m not sure why a developer would build in SJ vs SF these days, outside of impact fees or city council blocking development up north.