NASA Seeks Developer for 1,930 Silicon Valley Units
In partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration, NASA intends to build a massive community on 45 acres near Moffett Field, Calif. The project will also include 100,000 square feet of retail space.
By Laura Calugar
The NASA Ames area in Mountain View, Calif.
NASA announced plans to enter into a long term lease to construct and operate at least 1,930 housing units in Silicon Valley. The U.S. General Services Administration, in partnership with NASA, will put out a formal request for proposals to real estate developers during this fall. Interested developers will need to draft plans for leasing a 45-acre federal site for the housing project.Â
Located on the southern end of the NASA Ames property on Moffett Field, running alongside Highway 101, the new development will serve NASA’s employees. A minimum of 10 percent of the units will be subsidized for low-income residents. All units will be for rental only. First preference will be given to individuals who work or go to school within the Ames-owned property, such as Ames civil service and contractor employees, partners and students as well as locals. Approximately 100,000 square feet of retail space will also be included in the project.
“GSA is collaborating with NASA in this creative effort to encourage local housing. We’re seeking to achieve a successful outcome similar to the long term lease of Hangar One and Moffett Field, through an open, public competition,” said Dan Brown, acting regional administrator for GSA’s Pacific Rim Region, in a prepared statement.
Much-needed housing options
NASA plans to enter into exclusive negotiations with a preferred lessee selected through the request-for-proposals process. According to the Mountain View Voice publication, the project is expected to be built in phases over the next three to five years.Â
“Housing in Silicon Valley is in high demand and there’s a significant need for our employees and our community to have more options. Plus, this housing will mitigate some of the increasing traffic and air emissions in the region,” said Ames Center Director Eugene Tu.
Affordable housing is a hot-button issue in Silicon Valley. Palo Alto Housing has recently broken ground on an affordable community in Mountain View, Calif.
Image via Google Earth
