Fourth & Reed

From History to Housing

The century-old Pallesen Apartments building faced demolition when a developer sought to build a high-rise in its place. But, a creative collaboration with the Preservation Action Council and the City of San Jose secured the building’s donation, raised the funds to move it down the road, and deposited it on a City-donated lot.

Now, rather than face the landfill, these four units will be thoroughly renovated, their 1,100 square foot floor plans reconfigured, and their systems overhauled – all while preserving their unique historical character. 

The homes at Fourth & Reed will be sold through stable, affordable mortgages to households earning up to 80% of the area median income.

historic building on movers

Key Features

Historic Design Updated for the Future!

This building’s four 1,100-square-foot units are being thoroughly reconfigured to have two bedrooms and one bathroom each.

Inside, the building’s full mechanical, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems will be upgraded to ensure compliance with the latest codes. Meanwhile, outside, the building will be set on a new foundation and fitted with new utility connectors.

Connected to Community

Located on the corner of Fourth and Reed Streets, homeowners will have easy access to highway 280 while being just steps away from San Jose State University and downtown shops.

Interested homebuyers, please note there is no parking on the property. 

Built to Save the Planet and Money!

While we’ll preserve the historic character of the Pallesen, we’ll make sure this home follows Habitat's sustainable building efforts such as  replacing windows with newer, more energy-efficient options, as well as adding solar.

How We’re Building

Calling all volunteers! While there are some services we work with professional builders on, most of our construction is done by volunteers. That’s right – everyday people, including those who have never lifted a hammer! Whether you come out on your own or sponsor a team building experience, our construction site welcomes everyone aged 16+.

Due to the size of this site, volunteer opportunities in San Jose are limited, so sign up today!.

volunteers in front of building

How We’re Funded

Habitat relies on the generous support of our community to make our work possible. From a $20 donation on our website, to a million-dollar development sponsorship. From pallets of drywall to funds from a voter-approved housing bond. Every dollar makes a difference .

Google Volunteers

fundraising to date

We're calling our on Habitat community to help us close our funding gap and reach our community fundraising goal of $1.3 M for Fourth and Reed.

How to Get Involved

Become a Habitat Homeowner

Habitat homeowners are our heart. From the hours they spend building their future homes and neighborhoods, to the hard work they do to become financially fit for homeownership, to the mortgages that pay it forward so Habitat can serve more people – Habitat homeowners are true partners in our work.

These four homes will be sold through affordable mortgages to qualifying partner families earning very low incomes (30-50% AMI) and low incomes (up to 50-80%
AMI).

Homeownership through Habitat begins with completing a pre-application, attending an orientation, and being invited to submit a full application.

Applicants are evaluated on their ability to pay a stable, affordable mortgage, their need for housing, and their willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity.

Successful applicants are added to our Buyer Ready List, from which they will be notified and considered for Habitat homes that match their income and needs. 

Donate

Donating to Habitat for Humanity can take many forms. You might make a personal gift of any size via our website, cash, check, or even stock. Or, you may choose to make a planned gift from your estate, retirement assets, or trust. Some donate a vehicle. Others, lumber and paint. You could donate or shop for home improvement goods at ReStore, or have a gift deducted from your paycheck. However you do it, know that your generosity builds homes, communities, and hope. 

Sponsor

Becoming a Habitat for Humanity sponsor means showing your team – and the community at large – where your values lie. It also means aligning your organization with one of those most respected and recognized brands in the philanthropic space, with marketing benefits to show for it. Sponsorships can be crafted at many levels and in many forms. Your company or organization could sponsor Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley as a whole, a particular development, a program, or an event.

Or, you can give in a way that gives even more back to you – with team building! Through our Team Building program, we can curate a day for your group out at our construction site. You’ll leave with new bonds formed, skills learned, and hearts lifted.

Volunteer

Volunteers are involved in just about every aspect of Habitat for Humanity’s work. You’ll find volunteers on our construction sites with a variety of skill levels from beginners to skilled builders. 

For safety reasons, most of our volunteer opportunities are designated for people aged 16 and older. 

If you have time to give or a talent to offer, chances are that Habitat can put it to good use for our community!

Volunteer spots are limited on this development so sign up today to reserve your date!

See our Progress on Site

  • Construction Site Plan
  • Moving a home
  • Home on rollers for moving
  • back of home on rollers for moving
  • volunteers checking a door
  • Volunteers touring a framed construction site
  • Home hovering a foundation
  • Home on the foundation
  • Construction Site Plan
  • Capture-1
  • Moving a home
  • Home on rollers for moving
  • back of home on rollers for moving
  • volunteers checking a door
  • Volunteers touring a framed construction site
  • Home hovering a foundation
  • Home on the foundation
A husband and wife in front of their home

"We won the lottery for our children, because they will now have a home to grow up in."

Fisehaye, Father and Habitat Homeowner in San Jose

A Sincere Thank You To

Our Sponsors

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