A 15-story multifamily affordable housing development is about to become part of downtown San Jose’s SoFA district after almost a decade of planning.

San Jose Planning Director Chris Burton approved the 220-apartment development, known as Gateway Tower, at a Wednesday hearing. The complex will be 100% affordable housing, including 55 permanent supportive apartments and 165 apartments for very low income households. The 0.5 acre site will include 3,320 square feet of ground floor commercial space.

The approval overrides a 3-1 recommendation from the Historical Landmark Commission earlier this month to deny the project’s request to demolish portions of Herrold College, a city landmark. Commissioners argued developers failed to show they’d face financial burdens by having to build around the historical site, but planning officials disagreed and Burton signed off on the project.

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