Santa Clara Clears Way for Significant Housing Options
The Catalina community is part of the El Camino Real specific plan that the city of Santa Clara approved in 2019, which is transforming the area from a series of automobile-oriented strip malls to a transit-oriented corridor.
SANTA CLARA, CA—Three new model homes are now open at Landsea Homes’ community, Catalina. Josh Santos, president of Landsea Homes Northern California, says the 93-townhome development is a blend of urban space that features access to work and nearby attractions.
Residents have access to Santa Clara’s mix of technology, nature and dining, and proximity to Santana Row. This shopping, dining and entertainment destination has more than 70 shops, 20 restaurants, and nine spas and salons. Catalina is also near the 200 stores and restaurants located at Westfield Valley Fair. These homes are located in the Santa Clara Unified School District with numerous California distinguished schools.
Santos recently shared some insights into the challenges, development timing, amenities and housing trends in this exclusive.
GlobeSt.com: What were the challenges in getting 93 units off the ground in Santa Clara?
Santos: The Catalina community is part of the El Camino Real specific plan that the city of Santa Clara approved in 2019. El Camino Real is the city’s most visible and identifiable commercial corridor, and the plan realized a vision to transform the area from a series of automobile-oriented strip malls to a tree-lined, pedestrian and transit-oriented corridor with a mix of residential and retail uses. It really wasn’t difficult for Landsea to carve out this plot given that the city already identified this as an area they’d like to rezone from commercial to residential.
GlobeSt.com: How long was the development process?
Santos: Land development began in August 2018, and vertical construction and homebuilding began in April 2019. Overall, development took about nine months.
GlobeSt.com: What types of buyers will be targeted for these properties? Because all residences have three bedrooms and the property is located in the Santa Clara Unified School District, it would seem this is also targeted to families?
Santos: Most of our Catalina homebuyers are first-time homebuyers that work in the tech industry. These are homes that both singles and married couples alike are viewing as homes they can grow in. With three bedrooms, there’s room for families. Catalina is located within close proximity to great schools and major tech companies including Nvidia and Applied Materials.
We’re also seeing an influence from University of Santa Clara, where people have the means to buy a townhome for their child and rent out the remaining rooms.
GlobeSt.com: What does the live/work residence aspect offer buyers?
Santos: Catalina has 15 live-work homes that offer a unique opportunity for someone who is self-employed to operate a small business out of their home. This is a huge draw for small consulting business or specialized businesses, and provides a dedicated space for work that is isolated from their residence. While we have not yet released these units for sale, interest is extremely strong.
GlobeSt.com: What other development trends are evident in Santa Clara for similar properties?
Santos: The El Camino Real specific plan is thriving. Currently, there are four active projects along El Camino Real, including commercial, retail and residential. This has created an active hub of both residential and commercial development, which has large appeal for buyers. Santa Clara is a place where they can afford to live and manage a walkable lifestyle, with retail and services nearby.
There is also the Lawrence Station area plan that the city of Santa Clara has put into place. It’s clear the city wants to become a significant place of development in housing in the area.