Gateway Tower redefines affordable housing in San Jose’s SoFA district by blending historical preservation with modern urban design. The project integrates the historic Herrold College façade into a contemporary mixed-use tower, creating a dialogue between past and present. At street level, serrated façades mirror the district’s intimate scale, while the sleek glass tower reflects the energy of South Market Street. A dramatic flatiron cutout enhances its presence, and ground-level arts spaces, community rooms, and a public plaza extend SoFA’s cultural vibrancy.
Rising 221,000 SF, the tower offers 220 affordable housing units, with 120 dedicated to supportive housing, including half for formerly unhoused individuals. Designed for LEED Silver certification, it features high-performance systems, stormwater management, and drought-tolerant landscaping. Salvaged materials from Herrold College preserve the site’s legacy, while a podium-level deck, fitness areas, and public art foster community engagement. A strategically placed shear core and innovative parking solution optimize efficiency on the compact, irregular site.
