Nonprofit developer EAH Housing and the County of Santa Clara broke ground on Distel Circle, the first 100% affordable housing rental community in the City of Los Altos.
Located at 330 Distel Circle, just half a block from the El Camino Real corridor, the new development will feature 90 high-quality affordable units for individuals and families earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI). Several units will be designated as permanent supportive housing, helping address homelessness and housing instability in the region.
“Distel Circle is a powerful example of what’s possible when public commitment meets community need,” said Laura Hall, President and CEO of EAH Housing, one of the nation’s most respected nonprofit affordable housing developers. “We’re proud to mark this milestone with our partners, supporters, and neighbors. We thank you for your vision and investment in making affordable housing a reality across the region.”
The project’s primary funding source is the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and State Credit equity. The County of Santa Clara contributed $25 million toward the development, of which $15.9 million came from the $950 million Measure A Affordable Housing Bond, which was approved by county voters in 2016, with the balance provided through the County’s No Place Like Home (NPLH) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds.
“Los Altos didn’t just say ‘yes’ to affordable housing, it said ‘yes’ to a better, more equitable future,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga. “Distel Circle is a true reflection of the forward-thinking and collaborative spirit that defines Santa Clara County.”
Now in its ninth year of implementation, Measure A is on track to exceed its goal of creating 4,800 new affordable housing units by nearly 1,600 units, reflecting the region’s strong public-private partnerships and commitment to inclusive housing.
“By purchasing this property and making it available for development, the County helped lay the foundation for the City’s first affordable housing project,” said Consuelo Hernández, Deputy County Executive, Santa Clara County. “This milestone demonstrates the power of partnership and our commitment to turning vision into real homes for the community.”
Designed by KTGY Architects, the community blends seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood and includes a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, along with resident-serving amenities such as a community room, outdoor courtyard, and dedicated on-site services. It is also designed to meet LEED sustainability certification standards and will feature modular construction with a cross-laminated timber podium, allowing for innovative and environmentally responsible construction methods.
Construction is now underway with completion expected in January 2027. Once completed, Distel Circle will offer residents convenient access to public transit, commercial services, and healthcare facilities, fostering greater opportunity and stability for families across the income spectrum.
