The new Clara District in Santa Clara is experiencing a dramatic shift, with a surge of new residential developments turning this once-quiet area into a thriving urban center. Leading the charge is The Clara, a striking 22-story luxury apartment complex that just opened its doors to residents. Standing as the tallest building in Santa Clara and the tallest residential high-rise outside of Downtown San Jose, The Clara is a bold statement about the city’s changing identity and its ambitions for the future.
What sets The Clara apart is the lifestyle it offers. With 508 units ranging from studios to spacious three-bedroom apartments, it appeals to a wide range of residents. The amenities are just as impressive: a cutting-edge gym, a 75-foot lap pool, a hot tub, cold plunges, a spa, and a sauna room provide everything needed for fitness and relaxation without leaving the property. On the penthouse floor, a Capital Club-style lounge offers incredible views of Silicon Valley, the Bay, and Levi's Stadium. There is even a swanky karaoke room and media lounge up top. Quite frankly, it's the most luxurious high-rise apartment project south of San Francisco.
Alongside The Clara, its sister development, Ellore, adds 176 senior living units and together they bring 30,000 square feet of retail space to the neighborhood. Soon, shops, restaurants, and services will line the streets, creating a lively community where daily life feels seamless and connected.
Between The Clara and Ellore is a brand new half-acre playground that is available for all Silicon Valley residents. It's very nicely done with multiple climbing features and a tandem swing. My daughter loved taking it for a test drive. The park is entirely funded and maintained by the developer, Related California. Speaking of which, Related California is also contributing $3 million for public schools, $11 million for improvements to public infrastructure, $11 million in community contributions, and $12 million for affordable housing.
This wave of development in the Clara District—part of a $700 million investment—fits into a broader vision of a “live, work, play” destination. Seven high-rise projects will deliver nearly 2,000 new homes, transforming a landscape once dotted with single-story commercial buildings into a dense, residential hub. The impact extends beyond Santa Clara, contributing to the South Bay’s growth and addressing the region’s pressing need for housing. For San Jose residents, this transformation next door could spark inspiration. The blend of luxury living, retail, and public spaces in the Clara District offers a blueprint that could one day enhance neighborhoods outside of Downtown San Jose and Santana Row, making our city even more dynamic and welcoming.
Ready to see this change for yourself? The Clara District invites you to explore its luxury apartments, upcoming retail offerings, and the promise of a reimagined Santa Clara. As the South Bay evolves, this neighborhood stands as a testament to what’s possible and a hint at what might lie ahead for San Jose. We'll have more
