SJSU Officially Names Off-Campus Hotel Transformation: Spartan Village on the Paseo

San José State University announces Spartan Village on the Paseo as the official name for its newest student housing offering. Spartan Village on the Paseo is the region’s largest post-pandemic conversion of a downtown commercial property to residential housing and the university’s first off-campus residence hall. Opening this August, the building will host close to 700 student beds and an array of new amenities exclusively for San José State student residents.

“The newly announced housing option for SJSU students truly has it all — including, now, a name,” said SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson. “Spartan Village on the Paseo will not only provide an amenity-filled living experience for our students, it will also further solidify the bond between our university and the downtown San José community.”

The name was selected following a robust community involvement process that began immediately after the project announcement last fall. Hundreds of current students, in addition to faculty and staff, ranked a variety of options, and Spartan Village on the Paseo was the top choice. The name reflects the university’s expanding footprint into downtown while also integrating the site with the existing campus housing heritage and community culture.

Spartan Village on the Paseo will contain a mix of student room options ranging from two to four occupants, all with private, ensuite bathrooms. University Housing Services aims to provide over 100 below market rate beds and lease all other beds at prevailing campus housing rates.

Each floor will have two resident assistants, and the entire community will have on-site housing staff and residential life coordinators. A secure, monitored entrance onto the Paseo de San Antonio will have round-the-clock staffing and a security personnel presence to ensure controlled access and student safety. As the university continues to add more facilities and housing in the area, University Police Department foot patrols will extend along the Paseo de San Antonio.

Offering amenities that are second to none

(Editor’s note: See a full gallery of renderings at the bottom of the story. Furnishings and stylings remain subject to ongoing changes and are not final.)

The second floor of what was formerly the south tower of the Signia by Hilton hotel will be completely re-imagined, with expansive dining offerings that residents can access through the purchase of meal plans. The university’s current meal and beverage provider Chartwells will expand their service to the new building through conventional meal service and a cafe. To supplement on-site dining, a community kitchen will be available for students to prepare their own meals and snacks.

Amenities on the second floor will also include a range of study spaces. Group study rooms will offer secluded and inviting opportunities for collaboration and quiet study, and the skybridge over the Paseo will allow students expansive views in either direction while studying or socializing.

A fitness center provides residents with an off-campus alternative to the Spartan Recreation and Aquatics Center. One of the more unique amenities in the building will be the dual-purpose gaming and screening room that can host a variety of community events, from video game tournaments to movie nights. 

“SJSU students deserve to have safe, attractive and affordable housing options with amenities that ensure an ideal college experience,” said interim Vice President for Student Affairs Mari Fuentes-Martin. “When we take the time and effort to invest in the needs of our students, they can then focus on the success of their academics and help continue our culture of academic rigor and excellence. By growing our housing stock, we are also building for a future with even more enrolled Spartans in mind.”

Less intensive modifications will be made to floors three to 14 to better align rooms to serve a student residential layout, including updating existing building systems and providing new furnishings. The entire property will feature modern stylings and finishings that will transform the current site into an inviting and inclusive space. 

In addition to on-site amenities and staffing services, residents will continue to be able to access SJSU Cares and Student Wellness on campus for holistic care and support for all SJSU student needs. New students in search of university housing options can apply beginning March 5 and students currently in university housing can apply for residency beginning February 19. Details on the housing application process can be found at www.sjsu.edu/housing.

Visit the site during open house days

Spartan Village on the Paseo will be made open to the campus community for tours on the following dates and times. The entrance is located on the Paseo de San Antonio across from the existing Signia by Hilton hotel at 170 South Market Street. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to drop in throughout the available times and will be asked to provide their Tower Card.

• Tuesday, February 6, 2024 from 2–5 p.m.
• Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 12–3 p.m.

Additional tour dates may be announced at a later time. More details and renderings can be found at go.sjsu.edu/newhousing.