Related California Proposes Massive Project as New Core for Santa Clara

By Alex Girda, Associate Editor

Santa Clara is set to have a brand new focal point after Related California announced its plan to develop a large city-center-style project. The plan is currently under review by the Santa Clara City Council’s Sports and Open Space Authority, to determine whether the massive initiative will be given the green light. Should Related go ahead with the mixed-use development, the area will add a large number of residential units, office space, retail spots, dining options and jobs, all contributing to the growth of Santa Clara.

According to a press statement issued by Related California, the company’s plan is to develop a new core for Santa Clara, one that would include 1.5 million square feet of retail, 2.4 million square feet of other commercial space, around 530 housing units, as well as a hotel facility. The idea has received quite the backing, with Santa Clara Mayor Jamie Matthews declaring himself a fan of the initiative.

Matthews said that “since the destruction of our historic downtown in the 1960s, our residents have longed for a city center.”

Related consolidated its position in the area in April when the company signed an exclusive negotiating agreement with the city.

The proposed location of the massive development plan would be just north of the new Levi’s Stadium, in the immediate vicinity of the Santa Clara Convention Center and the Great America amusement park. The spot was clearly an important factor for the developers as the President of Related California, Bill Witte, recently expressed.

“Our vision is to create a project that blends the best living, entertainment, shopping, and dining experiences from the surrounding area to what will be a thriving community and economic engine,” Witte says.

Mayor Matthews expressed his support again when discussing location, having said that “this location is ideal because of the transit options,” praising the unique combination of freeway and rail access.

Image courtesy of Related California