The City of Morgan Hill Planning Commission has voted to approve the Magnolias Affordable Housing project, bringing new affordable housing to the affluent small city in the southern reaches of Santa Clara County. The five-story project would create 66 new homes at 17965 Monterey Road, within walking distance of the town’s central retail hub and Caltrain station. First Community Housing is the project developer.
Magnolias Affordable Housing Project view from Monterey Street looking north, rendering by SERA Architects
The 68-foot tall building will yield 89,800 square feet of built area, using an 80% density bonus program for entirely affordable housing projects. Parking will be included for 67 vehicles with surface parking, of which seven will be electric vehicle charging stations, short-term parking for 24 bicycles, and long-term parking for 80 bicycles.
Of the 66 apartments on-site, 50 units will be priced for extremely-low-income residents earning roughly 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI), 15 for low-income residents earning 50% AMI, and one will be the managers unit. There will be 16 studios, 16 one-bedroom units, 17 two-bedroom units, and 17 three-bedroom units.
Magnolias Affordable Housing Project entry plaza, rendering by SERA Architects
Half of the apartments will be ‘rapid rehousing’ units for the unhoused members of the community. The program makes use of rental subsidies provided by the County. A further quarter of all units will be for veterans. The rest of the units will be designed to house families.
SERA Architects will be designing the project, using modular construction and other onsite technologies to achieve LEED platinum certification in recognition of resource and energy sustainability. Facade materials will include painted fiber cement panels, wood panels, trellises, board-formed concrete, and steel-plate solar shades.
Magnolias Affordable Housing Project aerial view of the residential roof deck amenity and surface parking, rendering by SERA Architects
Magnolias Affordable Housing Project view looking south, rendering by SERA Architects
The project is to be packed with residential amenities and services across 1.5 acres. The landscaped entry plaza will greet visitors, while a community garden and recreation area will span 11,320 square feet on the southern edge of the property, while bioswales will line the northern sides. Other amenities will include a half-court basketball, a pet relieving and washing area, and an outdoor play space for kids. Inside, the building consists of a lounge, clubhouse, on-site laundry, and two rooftop decks.
Magnolias Affordable Housing Project garden and children’s play area, rendering by SERA Architects
Construction is expected to start next year, with completion expected by 2024. The applicants recently filed the CEQA notice of exemption, using state law and bypassing a stage that can delay new housing without benefit. Demolition will be required for the existing small vacant structures. Housing applications will start roughly six months before construction completion.
17965 Monterey Road, image via Google Street View
Morgan Hill is a city of roughly 45,000 residents, with several companies, a high-end hospitality industry, and entertainment. The project is also across the street from the 52-unit townhouse development, Monterey Parque in Morgan Hill, by KB Homes.
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This design could help reduce homelessness if it could be built in every State, though it may have to be modified to accommodate States that have snow.
How do I apply for this housing in Morgan hill? Thank you
How to do I apply, I’m in a transitional housing with my 3 children. Thank you.
How do I apply for this ?
Where do I apply?
Anyone know were to apply? Looking for a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom for me and my son .