Near San Jose’s scenic Lake Cunningham lies an extraordinary opportunity: approximately 115 acres of undeveloped land, a remnant of the former Pleasant Hills Golf Course that closed in 2004. As one of the last large untouched parcels in the city, this site at 2050 and 2079 S. White Road is sparking excitement and debate about how it can help shape San Jose’s future. With the city facing a housing crisis and ambitious state goals to build over 62,000 residential units by 2031, two compelling visions have emerged for this rare piece of land, each offering a chance to create something remarkable.
Developer Lakeside Commons LLC, an affiliate of Terrascape Ventures, has put forward a plan to build 1,716 residential units, focusing on single-family homes along the edges and townhomes toward the center, complemented by mixed-use buildings and parks. Managing Principal Mark Lazzarini highlights the thoughtful approach behind their proposal: “This neighborhood is largely single family detached. It’s an older neighborhood. So I think, yes, you can have a step up in density but you still have to be respectful of your surrounding and what really works and fits in this area.” Designed with community input, their plan prioritizes feasibility and respects the character of the surrounding area, aiming for entitlement by year’s end.
Meanwhile, nonprofit Catalyze Silicon Valley is advocating for a bolder vision. Their alternative plan envisions a mix of high and medium-density housing, alongside mixed-use buildings, a plaza, parks, and even an amphitheater. While they haven’t pinned down an exact number of units, their proposal promises significantly more housing than the current plan. “San Jose could get a lot more housing out of the land on this project,” says Jake Wilde, Catalyze SV’s Manager of Development Projects. To ease community concerns, their design includes a “green belt” of park space to buffer the development from nearby single-family neighborhoods, a creative solution to balance growth with local harmony.
The contrast between these proposals reflects the broader challenges and opportunities San Jose faces. In 2023, the city completed just 1,316 residential units—far below what’s needed to meet housing demands. Lakeside Commons emphasizes practicality, with Lazzarini noting, “If a project is not feasible, it’s not going to get built. So, you have to strike that balance.” Catalyze SV, however, sees the Pleasant Hills site as a chance to push boundaries, especially after giving the current plan a low 2.75 out of 5 score in their advocacy review, largely due to its limited density. Their ambitious ideas could maximize the site’s potential and set a new standard for urban development.
What makes this moment so exciting is the promise of transformation. Whether it’s Lakeside Commons’ community-sensitive approach or Catalyze SV’s innovative high-density vision, the Pleasant Hills site could become a vibrant new hub—offering homes, green spaces, and amenities that elevate life in San Jose. It’s a rare chance to address the housing shortage while creating a place that residents can take pride in. As Lazzarini puts it, “This is a rare opportunity. There really aren’t any sites quite like this… It’s an anomaly that it still exists.”
San Jose stands at a crossroads with this project, and the community’s voice will play a key role in its future. Residents have a chance to get involved, share their perspectives, and help craft a development that reflects the city’s values. Stay tuned as this site evolves—it could not only meet today’s needs but also inspire tomorrow’s growth.
