realestate

San Jose downtown development project defaults on loan obligations

San Jose downtown housing development defaults on loan due to delinquency.

A
proposed downtown San Jose highrise that could have produced hundreds of residential units has stalled due to a delinquent loan. The project, which was approved by city officials in recent years, would have included 708 residential units in the tower. However, the developer, an affiliate of China-based Z&L Properties, never broke ground.

    The site at 70 South Almaden Avenue, next to Post Street, is now in default after Full Standard Properties, the Z&L affiliate, failed to pay back a $19.5 million loan from Shanghai Commercial Bank. This marks the second time Shanghai Commercial has filed a delinquency notice against the property.

    Z&L Properties has faced numerous financial setbacks in San Jose, including a defaulted construction loan for a double-tower residential complex at 188 West St. James Street and neglect of an old church at 43 East St. James Street. The company had also proposed a large housing development on West St James Street and Terraine Street but never broke ground.

    The 70 South Almaden property, which was purchased by Full Standard Properties in 2016 for $39 million, now sits as an undeveloped lot with an uncertain future. Foreclosure is possible if the loan isn't paid in full. Z&L's struggles have raised questions about the company's plans and ability to deliver on its ambitious development projects in San Jose.

Downtown San Jose development project defaults on loan, sparking financial concerns locally.