Why Urban Catalyst?
What sets Urban Catalyst apart?
Urban Catalyst functions as both a fund manager and developer, providing us with the agility and expertise necessary to effectively tackle challenges within the dynamic real estate market. As developers deeply rooted in the heart of downtown San Jose, our commitment to the revitalization of the downtown core goes beyond constructing buildings. We believe in fostering sustainable economic development, creating job opportunities, and contributing to the overall well-being of the community.
Urban Catalyst's unique differentiator is our developer-first approach and deep local expertise. Unlike larger funds that focus on fundraising before securing quality projects, we already have trophy projects in our pipeline located in the downtown San Jose opportunity zone. With years of experience developing in San Jose, our understanding of local processes and relationships with key property owners position us to access the best projects efficiently.
Top 4% of Opportunity Zone Fund Managers
Novogradac
2023
Structure Award
Silicon Valley Business Journal
Best Rehab and Reuse
2023
Top Corporate Philanthropists
Silicon Valley Business Journal
2023
Top 20 Developer
Book of lists
Silicon Valley Business Journal
2023
Top 5% of Opportunity Zone Fund Managers
Novogradac
2020-2022
Most Influential People in Silicon Valley
Power 100
Silicon Valley Business Journal
Erik Hayden
2021-2023
Why San Jose
San Jose is actively promoting development by implementing policies that encourage new projects. A recent example is the city’s decision to waive various municipal fees to accelerate housing construction.
In addition, we maintain strong relationships with city officials and local policymakers, which helps ensure that our projects progress smoothly through the approval process, bringing us closer to realizing our vision.
When developing in a city, it's essential to ensure the transit infrastructure is in place to make projects accessible and sustainable. Urban Catalyst is strategically positioned near several exciting transit options, including VTA, Caltrain, and soon BART. Construction has officially begun on the highly anticipated BART extension to Silicon Valley, bringing transformative changes to San Jose.
Diridon Station is set to become one of the busiest transportation hubs on the West Coast. The Joint Policy Advisory Board recently unveiled three potential designs, incorporating future additions like California High-Speed Rail and BART.
These advancements in San Jose’s transit infrastructure will directly benefit Urban Catalyst’s development pipeline, with projects located near key transit stations. Transit-oriented development is central to Urban Catalyst’s vision, creating vibrant, sustainable urban spaces that foster connectivity and drive economic growth.
San Jose is powered by the dynamic growth of Silicon Valley, which continues to expand southward from tech hubs like Palo Alto and Sunnyvale. As one of the few remaining Silicon Valley cities with available space for development, San Jose is primed for growth and revitalization.
A prime example is Google’s ambitious project. The Mountain View-based tech giant has acquired over 80 acres in downtown San Jose for its largest campus to date, investing more than $500 million. Dubbed "Google Village," this massive development will feature over 5,000 residential units, and over 7 million square feet of office space, hotels, shops, restaurants, and open spaces.
Adobe, another industry heavyweight, recently completed its second tower in downtown San Jose, adding space for 4,000 employees.
Future Downtown San Jose Potential
Completed & Under Construction
PASEO
KEYSTONE
Urban Catalyst Partners Past Performance
Our Partners have decades of experience in ground-up development and the ownership and management of stabilized income-producing assets. Our Partners' track record of success includes:
URBAN CATALYST PROJECT TIMELINE
URBAN CATALYST FORMED
Urban Catalyst Opportunity zone FUND I OPENED
QI 2019
KEYSTONE ACQUIRED
FOUNTAIN ALLEY BUILDING ACQUIRED
Q3 2019
Paseo Acquired
Q4 2019
Paseo Ground Breaking
Spartan Vista Acquired
Urban Catalyst Opportunity Zone Fund I CLOSED
Q4 2020
Raised over $131 million
Aquino Acquired
Gifford Place Acquired
Icon | Echo Acquired
GIFFORD PLACE GROUNDBREAKING
Q2 2022
Keystone Ground Breaking
PASEO SHELL COMPLETE
Q4 2023
FIRST TENANT OPENS AT PASEO
Q1 2024
URBAN PUTT