The city of San Ramon recently granted approval to yet another housing project in Bishop Ranch – but unlike others, this one has the distinction of being the first of its kind aimed solely at providing affordable housing.
The project is being developed in partnership with Sunset Development – which owns a majority of the Bishop Ranch neighborhood – and Eden Housing, the same Hayward-based nonprofit organization behind the 130-unit development proposed for Livermore that has been stalled for several years due to being embroiled in litigation.
While still in its early stages, the 200-unit project in San Ramon has not been met with the same kind of controversy as Livermore’s. The project has been the subject of long discussions in study sessions and public meetings at the Planning Commission and City Council – which have offered extensive feedback. However, the tone of those discussions has been supportive overall.
“Eden Housing is grateful to Sunset Development Company, the City of San Ramon, Contra Costa County and our many partners for their leadership in making this milestone possible,” said Linda Mandolini, president and CEO of Eden Housing in a press release Oct. 13.
“This project is especially critical for families and seniors in a region that is growing rapidly and urgently needs more affordable homes,” she continued. “By creating housing with easy access to jobs, transit, parks and services, we are proud to be helping low-income community members put down roots, build stability, and truly thrive.”
The two-building project at 2453 Camino Ramon is set to consist of 80 units for seniors in one building and 120 units for families in a separate building for those earning within 30% and 80% of the area median income.
“This is more than an affordable housing development — it’s an investment in San Ramon’s future as an inclusive, sustainable community,” Sunset President and CEO Alex Mehran Jr. said. “We’re proud to work alongside a leader like Eden Housing to deliver meaningful solutions to our region’s housing needs.”
In addition to the housing units, the project is set to feature amenities such as a fitness center in the building for seniors, play areas for children, picnic areas, a technology center, bike parking, and work-from-home offices.
The project has another benefit for some developers of other luxury housing projects in Bishop Ranch – the potential to shift below-market-rate units agreed to in their original applications to the Eden Housing project.
That was the subject of two amendments that were sought from developers for projects at Bishop Ranch 11 and Bishop Ranch 3 at the Oct. 21 Planning Commission meeting, both of which were approved unanimously by commissioners.
A primary focus of feedback and questions from city officials and the public as the project has made its way through city meetings have been its architecture and design, and how it will fit into the surrounding neighborhood amid the development of more expensive housing projects.
“We believe that affordable housing must embody design excellence and foster belonging, just as any community deserves,” said Katia McClain, a partner at the architecture firm behind the project, Steinberg-Hart. “Our role is to create homes that not only meet essential needs but also enrich the public realm and strengthen the character of the neighborhood. We are honored to be part of this important milestone for San Ramon and proud to help shape a new community where families and seniors can live with dignity and connection.”
Construction is set to kick off late next year. More details about the project, including design plans and its official name, are set to be revealed before then, according to a press release from Sunset Development.
