New BIG-Designed Towers Signal a Major Residential Shift in Downtown San Jose
*Rendering © Bjarke Ingels Group*
Updated plans have been released for 35 South Second Street in Downtown San Jose, a mixed-use development designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). The project, referred to as the Fountain Alley development, is scheduled for review by the San Jose Planning Director and reflects a shift from an earlier office-and-housing proposal to a predominantly residential program.
Project Overview
The revised plans call for two residential towers, rising 27 and 28 stories, with a total of 768 apartments and ground-floor retail. The development is part of a broader downtown San Jose master plan led by Westbank and Urban Community, which includes multiple residential and mixed-use sites throughout the city.
The project will span approximately 831,600 square feet, including residential units, ground-floor retail, and basement parking. Bicycle parking is planned for 417 spaces, with vehicular parking located in a multi-level subterranean garage.
Change in Use
Earlier versions of the project included a stronger emphasis on office space. The updated proposal reflects a reconfiguration toward residential use, consistent with other recent revisions within the larger Westbank and Urban Community portfolio in downtown San Jose.
A related site at 180 Park Avenue began demolition and excavation in 2022, though work was paused due to an archaeological discovery. Recent reporting indicates that plans for that site have also been revised to focus on residential units rather than office development.
Design and Site Details
BIG is serving as the project architect, with Bionic as the landscape architect. Renderings show residential towers with balconies, integrated landscaping, and a pedestrian-oriented plaza connecting South Second Street with surrounding streets. Exterior materials are expected to include aluminum, terracotta-toned glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, and curtainwall glass.
The development site occupies approximately 1.25 acres along South Second Street, between Santa Clara Street and San Fernando Street, near the Bank of Italy Tower.
Housing Mix and Affordability
The project is proposed to include:
- 177 studios
- 413 one-bedroom units
- 152 two-bedroom units
- 26 three-bedroom units
Approximately 5% of the units will be deed-restricted for very low-income households, utilizing California’s State Density Bonus law.
Next Steps
The project is scheduled for review at a Planning Director Hearing on Wednesday, December 17, to be held virtually via Zoom with opportunities for public comment.
Read more and see renderings here ➡ SF YIMBY
