The City of San Jose Planning Commission has okayed a 30-story, mixed-use apartment complex in Downtown San Jose, CA. Called The Orchard Residences, the 607,000-square-foot multifamily building will include 8,200 square feet of ground floor retail as well as an underground parking garage.

The development site is located at 409 South 2nd St., midway between San Jose State University and the McEnery Convention Center. It will be developed by Westbank and designed by James K.M. Cheng Architects, and will include a unique feature: over 300 fruit trees on balconies throughout the building. 

The designer says the trees are an homage to San Jose’s orchard history, plus will have the added effect of shading the building and providing oxygen and food.

The Orchard will consist of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units with community amenities that include a courtyard, a co-working space, and a rooftop deck with a pool, fitness center and event space.

Rendering courtesy of James K.M. Cheng Architects