Something significant is taking shape along Los Gatos Saratoga Road.
After standing as a familiar landmark for nearly seven decades, the former Los Gatos Lodge site is officially entering a new phase.
And this time, it is residential.
The Town of Los Gatos has approved a plan to transform the nearly nine-acre property into a thoughtfully designed neighborhood featuring 155 townhome-style condominiums.
In a town where new housing opportunities are rare, this approval alone carries weight.
However, the details make it even more notable.
A Rare New Construction Opportunity in Los Gatos
To begin with, new construction in Los Gatos does not happen often.
Zoning constraints, limited land availability, and strong community preservation efforts have kept supply tight for years.
That is exactly why this project stands out.
The redevelopment will introduce modern homes while preserving architectural elements that reflect Los Gatos’s long-standing character.
Spanish Revival design will anchor the project, blending stucco exteriors, clay tile roofs, and classic detailing with modern interiors built for today’s lifestyles.
For buyers who want new construction without leaving Los Gatos, opportunities like this are exceptionally limited.
Where the Community Will Be Located
Equally important is the location.
The new neighborhood will sit at 50 Los Gatos Saratoga Road, directly next to Los Gatos High School and just off Highway 17.
That positioning offers a rare mix of convenience and charm.
Commuters gain quick access into Silicon Valley.
Meanwhile, weekend escapes toward Santa Cruz remain effortless.
Even more appealing, downtown Los Gatos is close by.
Residents will be within minutes of North Santa Cruz Avenue, home to cafes, boutiques, and restaurants that define the town’s vibrant core.
A Range of Home Layouts for Different Buyers
Rather than focusing on a single buyer profile, the project offers a diverse mix of homes.
In total, the community will include:
Nineteen two bedroom residences designed for professionals and downsizers
Sixty six three bedroom homes ideal for growing households
Seventy four bedroom homes for those seeking extra space or flexible work from home layouts
Homes will be arranged in clusters of four to seven units, creating smaller pockets that feel residential rather than dense.
Altogether, the neighborhood will include twenty eight three story buildings, each designed to complement the surrounding area.
Affordable Housing Integrated Into the Community
Importantly, the project also includes below market rate housing.
Out of the 155 total homes, twenty six will be designated as below market rate units.
These include sixteen homes for low income households and ten for moderate income households.
Rather than isolating these residences, they will be integrated throughout the community.
As a result, all residents will share the same architectural style, access, and overall neighborhood experience.
In a market like Los Gatos, this type of inclusion is both rare and impactful.
Amenities Designed for Everyday Living
Beyond the homes themselves, the project emphasizes functionality and connection.
Planned features include a pedestrian pathway with direct access to Los Gatos High School, improving walkability and safety.
Emergency vehicle access has been incorporated into the layout.
Additionally, the community will provide approximately 310 parking spaces for residents and guests.
Inside the homes, buyers can expect modern floor plans and energy efficient design, balancing contemporary comfort with timeless appeal.
Construction Timeline and Home Release Expectations
While the project has received full approval from the Los Gatos Town Council, construction has not yet started.
The next steps will focus on site preparation and infrastructure work.
Once construction begins, homes will be built and released in phases.
This approach allows buyers multiple opportunities to enter the community over time rather than competing for all homes at once.
Pre sales are expected to begin sometime between mid to late 2026 or early 2027, depending on construction progress.
For buyers watching the Los Gatos market closely, this timeline is important.
Who Is Building the Community
The developer behind the project is SummerHill Homes.
The Bay Area builder has decades of experience and is already familiar to Los Gatos residents.
They are also responsible for Bellaterra at North 40, one of the town’s most recent large scale residential communities.
Projects like this reflect a broader regional push toward thoughtful infill development, similar to other major Bay Area initiatives outlined here:
https://temblog.org/the-new-bay-area-5-mega-projects-reshaping-the-real-estate-landscape-in-2025/
Why This Matters for the Los Gatos Market
Ultimately, this redevelopment signals more than just new housing.
It represents a strategic response to long standing supply constraints in one of the Bay Area’s most desirable towns.
For homeowners, it reinforces long term value.
For buyers, it opens a rare door.
And for the broader market, it highlights how carefully planned development can move forward even in highly protected communities.
If you are considering selling elsewhere in Santa Clara County and positioning yourself for a future purchase, understanding local timing matters, especially in nearby markets like Gilroy:
https://temblog.org/sell-your-home-fast-gilroy-3/
Final Takeaway
The transformation of the former Los Gatos Lodge site marks a meaningful shift.
It preserves the town’s character.
It expands housing options.
And it does so in a way that aligns with long term demand.
In Los Gatos, opportunities like this do not come around often.
