The project will deliver 135 affordable units ranging from one to three bedrooms, specifically reserved for local families earning up to 60 percent of the area median income. For a household of four, that means an income threshold of under $117,000 per year. The development has been designed with the goal of integrating housing with accessible public services, which includes onsite childcare facilities and proximity to public transportation. The vision, according to VTA’s transit-oriented development manager, is to simplify daily life for residents by allowing them to access essential services and commute easily without relying on personal vehicles. By encouraging transit usage and reducing car dependency, the project also aims to reduce regional traffic and environmental impact.
Tours of the site were recently offered to the public, with potential tenants and community advocates getting a firsthand look at the new living spaces. One of those attendees, San Jose resident Raymond Valenzuela, expressed how challenging it is to find affordable housing that one qualifies for. He emphasized the delicate balance between earning too little to survive or too much to qualify for assistance. His experience mirrors the reality of many working families in the Bay Area who are caught in the middle—struggling to meet basic needs while not fitting neatly into eligibility brackets for subsidized housing.
This new development is part of a broader vision being reactivated by the VTA, which had not completed an affordable housing project in 25 years. The long dormancy of the agency's housing program was reversed in 2016, when renewed momentum came through funding secured via the Measure A program. That funding provided a new lease on life to affordable housing efforts, which now include at least seven more developments on the VTA's roadmap.
Advocates for transit-oriented development, such as Catalyze SV, support these types of initiatives as a modern answer to urban challenges. They believe integrating housing with transit is not just efficient, but a return to long-standing urban planning principles that prioritize connectivity and accessibility. There is a growing recognition that cities once built around walkability and public transport have the potential to alleviate the housing and environmental strains that modern urban areas face.
Aside from residential units, the new complex will offer community support services including a food bank and a daycare facility located on the bottom floor. Notably, 67 of the units are designated for rapid rehousing. These will serve as transitional residences for individuals and families who have recently lost jobs, experienced homelessness, or are survivors of domestic violence. The inclusion of these resources ensures that the project is not just about shelter but about rebuilding lives and supporting vulnerable populations with long-term stability.
The waitlist for the complex is currently open, and interested applicants can apply through the San Jose affordable housing portal. As construction continues and anticipation grows, the Tamien Station housing development is set to become a beacon of integrated urban planning and social responsibility in a region grappling with high housing costs. With the revival of VTA’s affordable housing program, San Jose is taking a tangible step forward in ensuring that residents of all income levels have a place to call home in the heart of the city.
