FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS) supported the inclusive residential and affordable development of The Kelsey Ayer Station Project, a 115-unit housing community in San José, California. The Project sets the tone for turning advocacy into policy.
The Kelsey’s mission is to provide disability-forward housing solutions that open doors to homes and opportunities for everyone. FCS is proud to supports the efforts of advancing a more inclusive housing future.
The Kelsey Ayer Station
The Kelsey Ayer Station is a fully inclusive mixed-ability, mixed-income housing community located in a transit-oriented neighborhood walking distance from downtown San José. The 115 apartment homes include a mix of 2-bedrooms and studios for individuals with and without disabilities across a range of incomes. The project provides shared community amenities and outdoor spaces, and is intended to connect residents to each other, the community, and desired services.
The project includes accessibility and inclusivity embedded into the development, design, and operations of the community. Strategies include being co-developed by people with and without disabilities, to accessibility features in common areas and individual units, a sensory garden for cognitive access and wellbeing, on-site programming, and The Kelsey’s signature Inclusion Concierge™ program, among others. The work being done at The Kelsey Ayer Station can be replicated and utilized in other projects through their Housing Design Standards for Accessibility and Inclusion, available at www.thekelsey.org/design.
The community is being co-developed by The Kelsey, Sares Regis Group of Northern California, and Devine and Gong. These experienced local housing development and finance organizations are both proud to be a supporting partner in this effort and bring their experience to this new model of inclusive housing.
Advancing Inclusion Together
FCS recently prepared an Initial Study and supporting technical documentation, including a Historic Resources Assessment, for The Kelsey Ayer Station project. The proposed project includes the demolition of an existing office building and the construction of a new 6-story, 78-foot-high residential structure, with 115 units. All of the units would be income restricted affordable, ranging from 20% Area Median Income (AMI), to 80% AMI, and approximately 24% would be reserved for persons with disabilities who use supportive services.
Building Inclusivity Through Culture, Community, and Commitment
Inclusivity has never been more important than today — or tomorrow. It has also never been more important to FCS. We insist upon a culture of common respect, expect transparency, and celebrate the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. Our mutual equality as humans is the path to diverse and innovative collaboration.
We cultivate integrity, driving us to growth, and allowing us to achieve more together than we could ever hope to as individuals. We are proud of our culture of collaboration and inclusion and are committed to ensuring that our workplace reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. It is our honor to incorporate these values with outside projects and the industry alike.
Do you want to learn more about our amazing staff and about the work that we do here at FCS? We are always on the lookout for sharp, passionate team members excited to share their ideas and help make an impact in the world around us. Check out our current career opportunities to learn more.
