KB Homes is in the process of purchasing 300 acres in one of the largest undeveloped areas in San Jose, Communication Hill. 75 of those acres are going to be used for a whopping 2,000 homes. I know this location is not ideal for many of the people that read this blog, but the development will be close to Lightrail, Highay 87, and has easy access to Downtown. The density should be on par with or greater than KB Homes' other project on Communication Hill, Tuscany Hills (760 units).
The complete plan for Communication Hill includes 4,000 residential units, 60,000sqft of retail, a 50 acre industrial park, and huge chunks of open space and trails. The overall vision is a dense neighborhood that is very walk-able, similar to Telegraph Hill in SF. This leaves about 1,200 homes to be developed after this project is complete, so it will be interesting to see the end result.
Source:
SJBJ
Nice article and good content...............a great blog
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, I was just strolling Tuscany Hills last night after dinner (No, I do not live there). There is a section in the middle of the hill where a trail has been built that spans horizontally. I was looking at it last night and wondering if retail could be put right next to the trail. Sorta like a "Santana Row on a Hill" kinda thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd whaddaya know, this morning comes this news :P I think I could make a pretty good astrologer hahaha!
And this had to be developed why? I would have much preferred to have seen this left alone, and not build up, but kept natural like the top of Twin Peak in SF.
ReplyDeleteTrue
DeleteBecause it's probably the only place where we can have a "hilltown" development, so to speak. One of the few elevated places in San Jose's flat valley floor that could actually be developed into a beautiful, dense housing community.
ReplyDeleteNow that said, it would be nice if the developers put a park right on top of the hill, surrounding the tower, giving a 360% view of the entire city.
Bob, I have to disagree. There is nothing "beautiful" about a a sprawling housing community on the only hilltop in the flat valley floor. What would have been beautiful is to have created an urban park with hiking trails and open to all to go and see the valley from the peak.
DeleteUnfortunately the hill is private land still owned by the Azevedo family. I believe KBHomes is developing the hill with a partnership with the Azevedo family, so I don't know what the city can do about that...
DeleteKB Homes needs to learn a new way of development(downtown core highrise infill) to development homes. The hills need to be left alone for open space. The remaining open space/lots need to not be touched. Any developments, whether for commercials or residentials, should only allowed to be developed in the downtown core/frame area, not outlying city areas. These young "Y" generation want to be downtown for work and live. It's the same case across North America.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! San Jose needs to step away from the entire urbrban sprawl mentality and focus on downtown for development. The focus needs to be on getting housing, business and retail into a core area.
DeleteThing is, a majority of prime downtown parcels are owned by Barry Swenson, Sobrato, and Boston Prop folks. KB Homes doesn't own any of the more desirable parcels in downtown, or else they would have done something about it. KBHomes has always been one of the more aggressive developers, in my opinion.
DeleteLike I said, BSB/Sobrato/Boston are sitting on those lands they acquired and moving very slowly on developing them.
Is there a way to take some back to give it to developers who have the means and the will to build?
Raise taxes on the revenue they collect from parking lots by tripling the tax rates and make it very expensive for them to maintain it as parking lots. You'll get results in a hurry with highrise buildings built and or some of the lot owners walking away, and the city can rfq it. It's up to the city if they want fast developments in the downtown core. They have a tool to do it, but I don't think the city is serious enough because they defend their sprawl with vigor!
DeleteI agree Bobv and SJG! Weren't some of those downtown lots basically given to them, especially Barry Swenson? I think the city, if they really wanted to and cared about downtown, could move it faster if they wanted to.
DeleteI am totally agree. Leave this beautiful open space and wildlife habitat alone!
DeleteThe wife and I almost bought a house there 2 years ago, but decided to buy downtown instead of waiting for the retail developments to come. We love the views, but communication hill's location is not the best and the communication tower is very odd looking. That being said it will be great to watch how it develops.Hopefully they will build the elementary school that they had in the city plan as well.
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind there is a specific plan for Communications Hill. http://www.sanjoseca.gov/mwg-internal/de5fs23hu73ds/progress?id=173mLizfvC
ReplyDeleteExpect more development to come after this. The land owners and developers are working within the means provided to them. There was never a plan for open space here, that said I don't necessarily believe more housing is a better option.
With the current status of KB homes as one of the top house builder, new projects like this ensures that KB Homes continue to give you homes with easy accessibility. not surprising because of current KB homes Rating: http://www.indeed.com/cmp/Kb-Home/reviews
ReplyDeleteSome conceptual renderings for this project: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18564
ReplyDeleteMore info: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/index.aspx?nid=3897
Awesome! Scheduling a post for this on the 26th!
DeleteSuch a large development, I am wondering if an independent study has been made to determine the health impact of the naturally occurring asbestos rocks going airborne during construction to the people living in the surrounding area.
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