Posted on: July 14, 2025
1371 Kooser Road establishing view, rendering by VMWP Architects
The San Jose City Council has approved a $73.7 million bond for the affordable housing infill at 1371 Kooser Road in the Cambrian neighborhood of San Jose, Santa Clara County. The project will soon replace a former Chuck E. Cheese location with nearly two hundred units of housing. San Diego-based Affirmed Housing is the project developer.
1371 Kooser Road paseo, rendering by VMWP Architects
The seven-story structure is expected to add 191 units with parking for 128 cars. Unit types will vary with 75 studios, 18 one-bedrooms, 48 two-bedrooms, and 50 three-bedrooms. Of the 191 units, 139 will be allocated to lower-income households, 50 units to formerly unhoused, extremely low-income residents, and two units will be reserved for on-site property managers. Residential amenities will include a large third-floor courtyard with greenery, bench seating, shading, a barbeque pit, a vegetable garden area, and an outdoor playground.
1371 Kooser Road pedestrian view, rendering by VMWP Architects
1371 Kooser Road sidewalk, rendering by VMWP Architects
Van Meter Williams Pollack is the project architect. Renderings from the San Francisco-based firm show a podium-style complex with a mix of materials and colors to visually break apart the massing to a more human scale. The most visible facade along Kooser Road will feature an eye-catching five-story mosaic above the entry storefront. The contemporary design features gable roofs to express residential vernacular.
The 1.6-acre property occupies almost the entire parcel, bounded by Kooser Road, Stanwood Drive, and Dellwood Way. The site is across from the Princeton Plaza Mall, next to Meridian Avenue and Blossom Hill Road.
1371 Kooser Road Chuck E Cheese’s, image via Google Street View
Construction is expected to last around two years from groundbreaking to completion. Work is expected to start this month.
More on the project: Kooser Apartments
Posted in: News
This is an exciting step forward for the 1371 Kooser Road project, showing how thoughtful development can transform an underutilized site into a place that supports the community. Creating more affordable housing options while incorporating shared spaces, greenery, and designs that encourage connection is an important investment for the future of San Jose. Projects like this highlight the value of balancing growth with accessibility, sustainability, and the needs of residents.