To alleviate the housing crisis in East San José, groundbreaking efforts have been made to construct 160 affordable homes at the Fielden development. According to a Santa Clara County news release, this collaborative project among the County of Santa Clara, the City of San José, and Community Development Partners will address the pressing needs for accessible housing in the Alum Rock neighborhood.
The project, located at 525 North Capitol Ave., is slated to open in June 2027 and is designed to benefit long-time, low-income residents, especially. Families earning up to 60% of the area median income, equivalent to $117,120 for a family of four, will be eligible to live in the development's range of studios to three-bedroom apartments. The initiative aims not just to provide shelter, but also to systematically offer a means for residents to climb out of homelessness and into stability.
Otto Lee, president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, hailed the project. "We're thrilled to see that low-income families, veterans, and former homeless neighbors will have a permanent home with 160 units of studios to three-bedroom apartments at 525 N. Capitol," Lee told the Santa Clara County website. The County’s contribution includes $8 million from the voter-approved $950 million Measure A Affordable Housing Bond.
The Fielden sets aside a substantial number of apartments for those facing the highest barriers to housing, with 15 units reserved for chronically homeless individuals, 25 for homeless veterans, and 12 for individuals and families with disabilities. San José Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized the project's role in the fight against homelessness, saying, per the Santa Clara County website, "We're ending unsheltered homelessness by building a spectrum of solutions — from emergency shelter to interim housing, and long-term affordable housing like The Fielden, with help from organizations like Community Development Partners." In 2020, San José voters approved Measure E, a property transfer tax increase, to help fund such ventures.
Designed by David Baker Architects and constructed by CDP Builders in partnership with Cahill Contractors, the Fielden will also offer amenities such as a lobby, common area, bike and car parking, a shared outdoor courtyard, and a community kitchen space. The financial framework for the project includes tax-exempt bonds, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and funds from local, state, and federal sources, including an Infill Infrastructure Grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
