Starting in the 1950s, the booming economy resulted in many new homes being built, but instead of sprouting up in the cities themselves, it was the creation of what we now know as “The Suburbs.” In many cities, what resulted was a loss of vitality, being left with rundown residences and random store fronts.
After many years, cities began to take effort. In San Jose, it began with the creation of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency finding new ways to create affordable housing in the downtown areas of the city. Their Housing Department began spending 20 percent of its annual tax increment on the creation of these affordable units. Major developers began to see that building housing with the downtown San Jose area was feasible and even a potential financial boon for all involved.
It is into this environment that a new housing community has been built. Located just outside of downtown but purposely built for “walkability”, the Plant 51 development has debuted. The space originally had been used as a cannery but the nearly century old building had been left in a state of disrepair and vacant for many years. Eyeing the building’s character and personality, the developers went in and used the existing structure to build what now is intended to be an urban neighborhood. The lofts are all built around a wide open central park area called The Courtyard. Here there are both multi-use areas for group gatherings and barbeques side-by-side with more private and quiet areas for people that just want to relax on the grass. Water features, bamboo, and pergola-style structures create the ambience.
More choices for buyers looking for condos and townhomes for sale in San Jose
The resident has their choice of floor plans among the stylish unit designs, from single story flats to both two and three story loft layouts. This complex could be a good option for those currently looking at condos and townhomes for sale in San Jose and surrounding areas. The single story “flats” go from 780-920 square feet for the one bedroom and the two bedroom models stretch out to 1,190-1,270 square feet. There are also two and three-level lofts.
Along with the lofts and open courtyard, other amenities were incorporated into the community. The Boiler Room is a two-story modern gym that was built into the area that had previously held the boilers that powered the cannery itself. There is also a peaceful gym right next door to the Boiler Room called The Fitness Studio. Both areas are open to residents wishing for physical exercise. There is also a bike storage room with tools for bike maintenance and making repairs.
The community has good proximity to downtown San Jose including having the HP Pavilion Arena a mere couple of feet away. The developers took into consideration also having nearby cafes and restaurants available for residents. Additionally, the light rail (the Diridon Transit Station) is a block away.
The Listing Look liked the idea of how the seeds for the continued rejuvenation of downtown San Jose are planted and grown in this community and other new communities like this.
For information about condos and townhomes for sale in San Jose, please contact Kelsey Lane of The Listing Look at 408-316-0660.
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