Bold design creates affordable homes and strengthens community.
Quetzal Gardens, situated in East San Jose, directly opposite the Mexican Heritage Plaza, is an affordable housing development aimed at tackling the housing crisis in the Bay Area. Its design adheres to the principles of the Little Portugal Urban Village Plan, emphasizing denser housing, walkability, and mixed-use development. The project consists of 71 affordable housing units, including 28 specifically allocated for families and individuals in the process of transitioning out of homelessness.
The development offers various amenities, including a central play area, a spacious landscaped roof deck, and exterior walkways, all aimed at creating a high-quality living environment for individuals, couples, and families with children. Additionally, there is a full-time service coordinator on-site to provide access to mental health treatment and case management. The layout of the building encourages social interaction and supportive supervision, fostering a sense of community among residents.
Quetzal Gardens dedicates more than 7,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space to promote community integration through partnerships with organizations like Somos Mayfair and the Latino Business Foundation of Silicon Valley. The project is committed to sustainability and has received GreenTRIP Certification, featuring a 100% electric infrastructure. Its strategic location near the Alum Rock/Santa Clara Bus Rapid Transit line and less than two miles from the Berryessa/North San Jose BART station encourages the use of public transportation, reduces car dependence, and contributes to environmental conservation by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Quetzal Gardens obtained extra housing units through the state density housing bonus and gained robust community support through an extensive outreach effort. This project represents a hopeful solution to San Jose’s housing crisis, addressing the pressing demand for affordable housing while prioritizing sustainability and community development. It stands to become a significant asset in East San Jose, offering affordable housing, improving residents’ quality of life, and making a positive impact on the larger community.
Project Type
New Construction
Client/Owner/Agency
Resources for Community Development, Inc.
Site Area (acres)
0.74 Acres
Building Area (SF)
122,000 SF
Number of Units
71 units
Units per Acre
96
Sustainability Features
GreenTRIP Certified, 100% Electric