New project aims to create more transit hubs in East Bay neighborhoods

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- As Google works on acquiring land to create a new mega-campus near Diridon Station west of downtown San Jose, there is another project underway in the East Bay that is a smaller example of the concept of creating neighborhoods around transit hubs where people can live, work and commute to jobs via public transportation, thereby easing congestion on area freeways.

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The first phase is Union Flats, a mixed-use residential development with 243 lofts and apartments. Windflower Properties is the developer, and modular construction is being used to help offset the high cost of Bay Area land.

It may become a model for other projects as the Bay Area struggles to provide more housing and better solutions for easing congestion.

The modular units are assembled in Idaho and transported to Union City.

Union City BART station is expected to become an intermodal station in the near future with links to Dumbarton Rail, Capitol Corridor and ACE train.

Union City has spent over $160 million to provide infrastructure improvements to support what it has dubbed the Station District.

SPUR San Jose is hosting a walking tour of the area Thursday afternoon, and ABC7 News be talking to the Windflower Properties founder and managing partner Fei Tsen.

Eventually, the Station District is expected to create 1,200 housing units and up to 1 million-square feet of office, retail and commercial space.