A unique and groundbreaking urban farming community called Agrihood has emerged in Santa Clara, offering hope to the city's senior citizens and veterans in need of affordable housing and sustainable living. This first-of-its-kind development is slated to welcome tenants by the end of July 2023 and has garnered excitement among local leaders and community members.
The Agrihood development boasts 160 mixed-income apartments, 165 low-income homes for seniors and veterans, and 36 townhomes spread across 5.8 acres. In a remarkable addition, a 1.5-acre agricultural lot allows residents to grow their own produce on site, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable living. Carl Kalauokalani, co-founder of Silicon Valley Seeds, shared his enthusiasm for this forward-thinking development, telling San Jose Spotlight, "It’s very encouraging to see that kind of opportunity take root within an urban environment.”
Agrihood's prime location at 90 N. Winchester Blvd in Santa Clara, across from Westfield Valley Fair, was once home to a UC Master Gardeners facility. Developed by San Jose-based The Core Companies in collaboration with Farmscapes, an agricultural landscaping business from Oakland, Agrihood is noted to have the highest density among other urban farm communities, such as Patterson Ranch in Fremont. An article by Steinberg Hart highlights that the project features an innovative mix of open spaces and shared amenities like a plaza for farmers' markets and dining, a community center with an exhibition space and kitchen for cooking classes, and a workshop with an adjacent rainwater recapture tank.
Santa Clara Councilmember Anthony Becker, who represents the district where Agrihood is located, has closely followed its development since its conception. Becker is especially thrilled about the availability of affordable housing tailored for seniors, some of whom struggle to afford both rent and daily meals. He told San Jose Spotlight, “This project is kind of like a beacon of hope for people like that. It's also a beacon of hope for people like me who are low income, and people who are working class. These are projects that need to move forward.”
In 2022, Santa Clara's homeless population reached 375 people, demonstrating the urgent need for affordable housing alternatives. Agrihood's funding comes from various sources, including $23.5 million from Measure A, a housing bond passed by Santa Clara County voters in 2016, $15.7 million from the city of Santa Clara, and a $50 million grant in tax-exempt bonds from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee. Initially approved by the Santa Clara City Council in 2019, the Agrihood project broke ground in 2021.
The on-site farm at Agrihood will feature a community room, a produce stand where residents can buy fresh food, and a learning shed for interested individuals to receive farming instruction.
