An African American cultural center, affordable housing, retail and open spaces could emerge at a high-visibility site in San Jose.
SAN JOSE — An African American cultural center, affordable homes, retail and other developments could sprout at a high-visibility site in San Jose, according to plans being floated at San Jose City Hall.“This has been 25 years in the making, with a lot of stops and starts, but it is finally happening,” said Walter Wilson, project manager for the cultural center endeavor. “This is the George Floyd era. The universe recognizes this is the right thing to do and the right time to do it.
“The vision of the African American Signature Project is a mixed-use center combining affordable housing, nonprofit commercial, and outpatient clinic programs, along with community gathering spaces and retail,” the proposal states. While the cultural center is envisioned as a unique destination for the region, affordable homes are a crucial part of the planned project, according to the proposal on file with the city.
The nine-story project would create 109 residential units. The complex will be very visible from Interstate 880 and the buildings will feature varying heights to help the complex blend in with adjacent residential and office sites.