American Housing Co. Proposes 368-Unit Affordable Tower in Downtown San Jose

A new proposal has emerged for a significant affordable housing development at 439-451 South 4th Street in San Jose. American Housing Co., a subsidiary of the Oakland-based firm oWow, is behind the plans for the 0.5-acre site. The project aims to construct a building of approximately 25 stories and 261 feet, similar in scale to a design previously approved in 2024 under different ownership.

The most notable aspect of the new proposal is a substantial increase in housing units, with an estimated 368 apartments designated as affordable below-market-rate, alongside four manager’s residences. While the exact architectural designs are yet to be released, oWow may utilize its in-house team, departing from the previous proposal by Salvatore Caruso Design Corp. The site's prime location, close to downtown San Jose’s business district, San Jose State University, and public transportation, makes it highly suitable for high-density construction. This new effort offers a potential breakthrough for a site that has seen multiple proposals struggle to advance despite securing necessary city approvals, providing a hopeful outlook for San Jose's housing advocates.