Sunnyvale planners review cost-driven design changes to Orchard Gardens affordable housing project

The Sunnyvale Planning Commission on July 14 reviewed proposed minor site and architectural modifications to Orchard Gardens, a 123-unit, 100% affordable housing project at 245 Waddell Drive that was approved in November 2021.

Associate Planner Cindy Hahn presented the staff report, describing the request as “a miscellaneous plan permit to allow for various site and building modifications to a previously approved 100% affordable housing project located at 245 Waddell Drive.” Hahn said the project originally approved under a state density bonus included demolition of 30 units, rehabilitation of 32 units and construction of a new six‑story building containing 93 units, for a total of 123 affordable units.

Staff and the applicant said the changes are being driven by financing and cost‑efficiency needs. Serena Lee, development manager for the Santa Clara County Housing Authority, told commissioners the authority has taken over management from First Community and that the team needs to reduce costs to remain competitive for state tax‑credit funding. Architect Sarah Vaccaro said the project team seeks roughly a 10–15% cost reduction and “we're very excited to be bringing this project back to life in this phase.”

Key proposed changes presented to the commission include: removal of all exterior balconies; replacement…