Santa Clara Council approves 1792-unit residential project at Mission College Boulevard

In a significant meeting held on March 25, 2025, the Santa Clara City Council and the Stadium Authority Board discussed a major residential development project aimed at addressing the city's housing needs. The proposed project, located at 2518 Mission College Boulevard, seeks to construct 1,792 residential units along with associated amenities, including retail space and public parkland.

The project, presented by the Irvine Company, includes five five-story residential buildings, which will feature approximately 3,500 square feet of retail space and over four acres of public parkland. Notably, 15% of the residential units will be designated as affordable housing, catering to teachers, students, and tech workers. The development is designed to promote a multimodal community with bike and pedestrian connectivity, enhancing the overall livability of the area.

City Manager and community development officials emphasized the project's alignment with the city's goals to meet regional housing needs. The development is part of the Freedom Circle future focus area, which was previously approved for residential use to accommodate the growing demand for housing in Santa Clara. The project is expected to contribute significantly to the city's housing stock while also providing essential amenities and green spaces.

During the public hearing, community members expressed strong support for the project, highlighting its potential to provide much-needed affordable housing. Concerns were raised regarding transportation, parking, and environmental sustainability, but the applicant assured that the project would include features such as electric vehicle charging stations and extensive landscaping, including the planting of 932 new trees.

The City Council is set to vote on several resolutions related to the project, including an addendum to the environmental impact report and a general plan amendment. The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of the project, indicating a positive outlook for its advancement.

As Santa Clara continues to grapple with housing shortages, this development represents a proactive step towards creating a more sustainable and inclusive community. The anticipated next steps include final approvals from the City Council, paving the way for construction to begin in the near future.