Milpitas Innovative Housing Makeover: Milpitas, a city facing the imperative of adding more than 6,700 homes by 2031 to meet state requirements, is exploring a transformative solution for affordable housing at the Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits location. During a City Council meeting on November 14, preliminary plans were presented to convert the 7.22-acre Sobrato site at 600 Valley Way into a 244-home community, with a specific focus on affordability. This proposed development aligns with Milpitas’ commitment to meet the state’s housing demands, with half of the new homes mandated to be below market rate.
The Sobrato Organization, working in collaboration with the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, aims to navigate the complex land use permit process for the project. The Sobrato Centers for Nonprofits, currently serving as office space for various organizations, could undergo a significant transformation to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the region.
Tim Steele, Sobrato Senior Vice President of Real Estate Development, presented early plans to the City Council to garner support and feedback before the formal application submission. Steele emphasized the importance of obtaining council support to advance the conceptual stage of the project. The permitting process is anticipated to take up to two years.
The proposed plans involve dividing the property into two lots. A 5.62-acre lot is earmarked for approximately 104 market-rate townhomes, while the remaining 1.6 acres are designated for an affordable housing complex comprising around 140 apartments. Steele indicated that the Sobrato Organization would collaborate with external developers for the design and construction of the homes.
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In terms of the 1.6-acre parcel dedicated to the city, officials have the opportunity to decide the development specifics. This includes determining the timing for affordable housing conversion and the type of housing to be developed, such as senior housing or multi-family apartments. Mayor Carmen Montano expressed a preference for senior housing, addressing the growing need in the community.
The project aligns with Milpitas’ broader housing goals and comes as the Sobrato Organization refocuses its efforts on supporting Silicon Valley residents. The organization, after surveying its partner nonprofits, identified economic mobility and housing insecurity as the region’s most pressing issues.
City officials expressed a measured approach to the potential demolition of existing office buildings on the 1.6-acre plot, highlighting a desire to explore options for keeping some nonprofits in Milpitas, even if relocation is necessary.
As the project progresses, the next steps involve further developing the application and presenting it to the City Council for additional feedback when the application reaches a more mature stage. Steele emphasized Sobrato’s admiration for Milpitas and its commitment to collaborating with the city to address housing needs and provide valuable services.