SF Bay Area Opens 115 Affordable Homes at Transit Hub

VTA opens 115-unit affordable housing complex at Tamien Station with rents from $865

VTA Opens 115-Unit Affordable Housing at Tamien

Residents have begun moving into the Tamien Station Apartments in San Jose, marking VTA's first transit-oriented affordable housing development in more than 20 years. The 115-unit complex offers rents from $865 to $2,058 monthly for income-qualified residents, transit officials said. Construction on the $89.5 million project began in June 2021, with a grand opening celebration held November 21.

Addressing Bay Area Housing Crisis

The development represents VTA's renewed commitment to leveraging agency-owned land for affordable housing after a two-decade pause in such projects. VTA's Board approved a Transit-Oriented Development Policy in 2018 that established the framework for building affordable housing on transit authority property. The Bay Area faces some of the nation's highest housing costs, making the 114 affordable units particularly significant for addressing regional needs. Carolyn Gonot, VTA General Manager and CEO, said the project exemplifies the agency's commitment to creating vibrant, transit-connected communities while addressing the region's housing crisis.

Project Details and Affordability

The apartments serve residents earning 30% to 80% of Area Median Income, with 114 affordable units and one manager's unit. MidPen Housing partnered with VTA to develop the project on transit authority land adjacent to Tamien Station. The development includes 46 parking spaces, though officials didn't specify the exact number of residents who've moved in so far. VTA receives $100,000 annually in ground lease revenue from the project. Giovanni Orantes, MidPen Housing Development Project Manager, said the apartments represent a model for how transit agencies and affordable housing developers can work together to create thriving communities while reducing car dependency.

Timeline and Development

Construction began in June 2021 and reached completion in late 2024, with residents moving in during December. The grand opening celebration took place November 21, though officials didn't provide a specific date when the first residents arrived. The project took approximately three and a half years from groundbreaking to occupancy. The development follows a national trend of transit agencies using real estate assets to generate revenue while supporting ridership growth.

Transit Access for Residents

The location adjacent to Tamien Station provides residents direct access to VTA light rail and bus services, connecting them to jobs and services throughout Santa Clara County and the broader Bay Area. Officials said the transit-connected location allows residents to reduce reliance on personal vehicles, though they didn't release projections for expected ridership impact. The project could signal future similar developments on VTA-owned land near other transit stations. Riders can check Moovit for real-time VTA service information and trip planning to Tamien Station.