100% Affordable Housing Gets Underway in Mountain View

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA—Even before the COVID onset, the need for affordable housing was at peak demand. One 100% affordable residential rental community at 950 W. El Camino Real looks to make a dent in that pressing issue.

The 71-unit development will provide independent living for a mix of single- and two-person households earning between 50% to 70% of the area median income. Nonprofit developer Alta Housing virtually celebrated the groundbreaking last week on the project which includes 15 units reserved for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

“We are excited to commence construction on this new, supportive residential community that will bring stability and an enhanced quality of life to so many people that are struggling in this challenging economy, including those with special needs,” said Randy Tsuda, Alta Housing’s president and CEO. “We are grateful to our partners at the city of Mountain View who have strongly supported our effort to add much-needed affordable housing.”

The 0.61-acre development site which previously housed a Taco Bell is located a block north of downtown Mountain View. Onsite amenities will include a rooftop deck and outdoor lounges on the second, third, fourth and fifth floors. There is also a community room with a kitchen, a conference room, a library and laundry facilities.

“950 W. El Camino Real is an ideal location, especially for those without a car. The development site is close to multiple bus lines that allow access to communities up and down the Peninsula,” Tsuda said. “Many residents will have jobs in Mountain View or the surrounding communities and will be able to commute by walking, public transit or bike. The site is located within a quarter-mile of the Mountain View community shuttle and four bus lines: VTA 22, 52, 81, 522. The new residential community will also have a bicycle parking space and a storage locker available to each resident.”

Alta Housing will provide on-site management and services to residents including case management, resident engagement, educational assistance, health and wellness programs, financial planning courses, job counseling, and assistance with accessing community resources.

“Alta Housing’s services at 950 W. El Camino Real will be designed to ensure housing stability, promote health and wellness, and encourage community building,” notes Tsuda. “Alta Housing’s mission is to create stronger, more diverse communities by providing and maintaining high-quality, affordable housing where our residents can thrive.”

Financing is provided by the city of Mountain View, Wells Fargo Bank and low income housing tax credits. Acquisition funding was provided by Housing Trust of Silicon Valley.

The project’s designer is Van Meter Williams Pollack, the general contractor is Nibbi Brothers, Luk and Associates is the civil engineer, Murphy Burr Curry is the structural engineer, Fard Engineers is the mechanical electrical and plumbing plans engineer, and Hill Associates is the landscape architect.

The building type will be conventional Type IIIA construction. Bike parking, trash room, resident service/management office(s), community room and lobby with elevator access will all be on the ground level. This project will be governed by the 2016 California Building Code, GlobeSt.com learns.

The project will target LEED Gold. The green features of the building will include:

• Higher density infill site encouraging the use of public transportation, walking and bicycling
• Dedicated bicycle storage for residents and visitors
• Public transit: ¼ mile of bus line and less than one mile to train station
• Water-saving fixtures
• High-efficiency irrigation and drought-resistant/native plants
• Occupancy sensors on all common area lighting controls
• Low VOC interior paint
• Use of low/no VOC for all building finishes and adhesives
• Use of recycled content
• Enhanced noise and vibration controls for structure, mechanical, plumbing, stair, floor and trash pickup
• Energy Star appliances
• Energy-efficient bathroom fans with humidistat control
• High-efficiency water heating
• Cool roof
• Metal sunshades and awnings
• Recycling programs during operations
• Roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels
• Adaptable building using universal design principles for units

“The design follows the principles of the El Camino Real Precise Plan in the Castro/Miramonte area and supports an active street frontage through a tall first floor with plentiful storefront windows, an inviting entry area with an architectural art feature that gives a lantern effect at night, a warm and friendly community room facing El Camino Real, and convenient common spaces throughout the property,” Tsuda tells GlobeSt.com. “Nearby amenities and community facilities such as neighborhood parks, stores and a wide variety of dining places are conveniently located within walking distance.”

Alta Housing has a significant pipeline of new development projects with more than 300 new residential units in various stages of planning and development throughout the Bay Area. Later this year, Alta Housing will break ground on Wilton Court at 3705 El Camino Real in Palo Alto, which will offer 59 affordable studio and one-bedroom apartments for individuals, including 21 apartments reserved for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Alta Housing is currently under construction on 67 residential units at 2821 El Camino Real in the North Fair Oaks neighborhood in San Mateo County. The 100% affordable housing community will provide independent living for a mix of low-income families including veterans. The new community is slated for October 2020 completion.