Hundreds of affordable homes could replace San Jose shopping center
A San Jose shopping center might be replaced by a big residential complex with hundreds of affordable homes and some retail.
SAN JOSE — A big residential complex with hundreds of affordable homes and some retail might replace a San Jose shopping center, plans being floated at City Hall show.
An estimated 280 homes would be developed on the site of a shopping center at the corner of Union Avenue and South Bascom Avenue in southwest San Jose, according to a very preliminary proposal filed with San Jose planners.
The residences being eyed at the proposed development would be “100% affordable,” the planning documents show.
The building would be six stories high, including the ground floor retail, ground floor parking and five levels of residences.
The site at present features a retail center called Maplewood Plaza that’s occupied by numerous shops and restaurants, according to information derived from a Google Maps search.
The existing retail on the site where the development would occur totals 23,800 square feet, the project plans show.
Among the merchants whose locations might be bulldozed for the proposed development: Gyro’s Burgers & More, Harbor Fish & Chips, Anwar Bazaar & Bakery, Union Chinese Restaurant, Maya’s Cafe, Diamond Shoe Repair, Song’s Kung Fu, Lush Spaw and Vogue salon & lounge.
Along with the 280 homes, the proposal envisions the development of 11,900 square feet of new retail spaces.
The new retail would occupy part of the ground floor and be located primarily along Union Avenue.
San Francisco-based Maracor Development is listed as the applicant that is seeking city approval for the affordable homes project.
The development proposal is in a very preliminary stage and was submitted to obtain feedback from city officials. The ultimate plans could be considerably different from what is on file at present.
Maracor has proposed several projects in the Bay Area, including some in San Jose, along with others in San Francisco, Oakland and Fremont, according to the real estate firm’s website. The website didn’t fully specify which projects have been completed and which are still in development or the government approval process.
The affordable homes project at the Union and Bascom avenues site would include a variety of unit sizes.
Of the 280 units, 112 would be studios, 77 would be two-bedroom units, 75 would be three bedrooms and 16 would be one-bedroom units, the preliminary plans state.
The proposed affordable homes development is located within approximately 1.5 miles to two miles of multiple light rail stops that are on the Old Ironsides-Winchester line and the Baypointe-Santa Teresa line.