Downtown San Jose housing tower with nearly 400 homes gets revamp
The plan for a proposed San Jose housing tower that would contain several hundred homes is being revamped with a brighter look, a design change for which the project's developer is seeking a fresh set of city approvals.
The tower, known as Echo, is being developed by real estate firm Urban Catalyst at North Fourth Street and East St. John Street downtown.
Urban Catalyst has headed back to the city to seek approvals for the new look and changed exterior.
“We have redesigned the exterior skin of the Echo building,” Erik Hayden, Urban Catalyst's founder and managing partner. “We always strive to incorporate best-in-class design into our projects, and this new exterior does that.”
The changes conform to the footprint, or massing, of the building that had been previously approved by city officials, according to Hayden. The new exterior also features additional solar shading to increase the building's energy efficiency, he added.
The housing high-rise is next to another proposed Urban Catalyst tower, called Icon, which is a 20-story office building that would total 525,000 square feet. The offices would be at the corner of East Santa Clara Street and North Fourth Street. Neither high-rise has yet to begin construction.
Urban Catalyst was formed to create funds that investors can use to capitalize on tax advantages provided by opportunity zones. Investors can capitalize on the tax advantages for projects that substantially redevelop a property.
The new concepts for the residential project also include an image of outdoor gathering areas on an upper level of the housing high-rise.
“Echo's amenities package includes a rooftop lounge with 360-degree views, couches and fire pits, as well as an interior office area that features a conference room, a library, desks and phone booths,” Hayden said.