When San José State University faced a critical student housing shortage—with demand exceeding accommodations by 125 percent—traditional approaches would have suggested years of master planning and new construction. Instead, a partnership between the university, developer Throckmorton Properties, architect and designer Multistudio, and general contractor Build Group transformed an overlooked downtown hotel into Spartan Village on the Paseo—an active student residence that now houses nearly 700 students—providing both an near-term solution for the school and a lasting benefit to downtown San Jose.
The Spartan Village project represents a significant departure from conventional campus planning. Rather than waiting for a comprehensive master plan to address the housing crisis, the architect and developer conducted programming and feasibility studies before approaching the university with a proposal. This proactive independent strategy allowed for swift decision-making and implementation, enabling the university to address its housing shortage efficiently while simultaneously contributing to downtown San José's revitalization efforts.
"Spartan Village on the Paseo will not only provide an amenity-filled living experience for our students,” said SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson prior to opening, “it will also further solidify the bond between our university and the downtown San José community.”
The former Hilton Signia Hotel’s South Tower has now been transformed into a living-learning community that immerses students in San José’s urban life. Situated along the Paseo de San Antonio—a pedestrian artery that connects the campus with downtown landmarks such as the Hammer Theater, the future SJSU Alquist Workforce Housing site, and the city’s central Plaza de César Chávez—Spartan Village extends the university’s footprint beyond its original boundaries while bringing new energy to the city’s core.
