Urban Catalyst’s Aquino Apartment Complex Nears Topping Out in Downtown San Jose

Construction is almost complete on the Aquino apartment complex, an eight-story project located at 486 West San Carlos Street in San Jose. Developed by Urban Catalyst, the building will introduce 278 new apartments to the downtown area, with 14 units designated as deed-restricted affordable housing for very low-income households. Swenson Builders is the general contractor, and BDE Architecture designed the structure.

The development features a three-story concrete podium topped by five floors of wood-frame construction. Crews are currently finishing the wood framing on the uppermost level, with facade installation anticipated to commence soon. The design includes an accordion-style rounded edge and a barcode-inspired facade with vertical panels and private balconies. The unit mix will comprise 211 studio or one-bedroom units and 67 two- or three-bedroom residences, alongside 167 parking spaces for cars and 88 for bicycles. The ground floor will house an internal garage and a community room.

Situated on a 0.83-acre lot, the property is strategically located just blocks from Discovery Meadow and less than a 15-minute walk from Diridon Station, a major transit hub with future BART connections. This project is part of a broader development effort by Urban Catalyst in the vicinity, including a Marriott TowneSuites Hotel and the Gifford senior housing complex nearby. The addition of these units will contribute significantly to San Jose's housing supply, particularly in a transit-oriented downtown location.