College names new housing complex
Spartan Village on the Paseo is the official name of a San Jose State University student housing site slated to sprout at a one-time hotel tower, an endeavor poised to help spur an economic rebound downtown.
A sky bridge lounge, study sections, fitness room, gaming lounge, film and video screening center and a cafe are among the amenities expected to be featured in the new Spartan Village on South Market Street in downtown San Jose, according to a post on a university blog.
“The newly announced housing option for SJSU students truly has it all,” San Jose State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson said in comments for the blog post. The tower, which also is adjacent to the Paseo de San Antonio between South Market Street and South First Street, is expected to accommodate roughly 700 students, who are slated to move into what was once part of the Fairmont starting this fall.
Throckmorton Partners, a Bay Area real estate company, bought the 264-room southern tower of the Signia by Hilton Hotel from a group headed by business executive Sam Hirbod as part of a $113 million purchase, financing and renovation package. That overall amount includes the $73.1 million that Throckmorton Partners, a Marin County firm, paid for the property.
“SJSU students deserve to have safe, attractive and affordable housing options with amenities that ensure an ideal college experience,” Mari Fuentes-Martin, interim vice president for student affairs, said in the blog post. One eye-catching feature of the future student housing is a sky bridge lounge that's expected to be a gathering area for residents.
“The sky bridge over the Paseo will allow students expansive views in either direction while studying or socializing,” SJSU said in the blog.
The bridge connects directly to the second floor, which will be a crucial part of the revamp and renovation of the property. “The second floor of what was formerly the south tower of the Signia by Hilton hotel will be completely re-imagined, with expansive dining offerings that residents can access through the purchase of meal plans,” SJSU said in the blog post.
Chartwells, the current SJSU meal and beverage provider, also will be the vendor for the Spartan Village on the Paseo. Chartwells will offer conventional meal service and a cafe. Students also will be able to prepare their meals in a community kitchen. SJSU believes the converted downtown tower is a vital component of the university's overall strategy to create more housing near the institution's main campus.
“The students will add vibrancy and spending in the area,” said Bob Staedler, principal executive with Silicon Valley Synergy, a landuse consultancy. The university's approach is an effective way to create affordable housing in a climate of costly construction, in Staedler's view.
“When we take the time and effort to invest in the needs of our students, they can then focus on the success of their academics and help continue our culture of academic rigor and excellence,” Fuentes-Martin, the SJSU vice president said. “By growing our housing stock, we are also building for a future with even more enrolled Spartans in mind.”
The new student housing will provide an array of residence options, ranging from two students to four students in a room. All the rooms will have en-suite bathrooms. The university intends to offer 100 beds at below-market rates. The remaining beds will be offered at prevailing university lease rates.
“Spartan Village on the Paseo will not only provide an amenity-filled living experience for our students, it will also further solidify the bond between our university and the downtown San Jose community,” SJSU President Teniente-Matson said in the blog post.