The Willow Glen Resident

Rendering courtesy of Bowen & Associates Inc.

Big Build-Up: Two dilapidated old houses will have to be torn down or moved to make way for a 32-unit apartment complex (shown here in an architect's rendering) at Willow Glen Way and Almaden Road.

Council approves complex to replace run-down houses

Report on the homes' historic value pending

By Cecily Barnes

Thirty-two apartments will be constructed in Willow Glen and available for rent by this time next year, confirms owner Ron Miller.

At an Aug. 4 meeting, the San Jose City Council approved the project planned for the intersection of Almaden Road and Willow Glen Way. Miller will go before the planning director on Aug. 22 to seek approval for the last permit he needs to begin construction.

"The council approved it unanimously," Miller said proudly. "Right now the area is sort of an eyesore there in Willow Glen; it's sort of on the fringe. We'll be doing 32 units, so it's sort of quaint and nice, not a real big project."

Two dilapidated homes on the property might be moved and preserved if they are found to have historic significance. If not, they will be demolished. The Planning Commission directed the Historical Landmarks Commission to review the project and present a report at the Aug. 22 permit hearing. Depending upon the historic significance of the homes, Miller might be required to mitigate the loss of the buildings by either photographing them, removing valuable interior items or even relocating the homes in their entirety. Either way, the development of the apartments will not be stopped.

"If after a survey and evaluation, it's determined that they qualify as historic landmarks, then the city could require the applicant to mitigate the loss of these buildings," said Ron Eddow, the city's historic preservation officer. "Let's say the interior of the home has some exquisite tile features. One option could be photo documentation or to offer the defining features of the building to other groups that may want to salvage these items."

The project won't be stopped, Eddow confirmed, but it might have certain conditions placed on its approval.

Miller hopes to have the final permit in place by the end of August, allowing construction to begin by October. The architect and developer, Herb Bowen, said construction during the winter shouldn't be a problem, so long as El-Niño doesn't return.

"It's probably going to take a good nine months, depending on the construction crews," Bowen said. "More than likely, they'll be ready in time for people to move in and get children registered for school and stuff like that."

Depending on the market at the time, Miller plans to rent his apartments for $1,200 to $1,400 a month.

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