Californians are trading in mansions and gated communities for the "15-minute lifestyle," apartment complexes where you can walk a few feet out your door to buy groceries or see a concert in a park.
Developers sought to emulate this concept at Sofia, a 286-unit apartment tower with a variety of indoor and outdoor "amenity spaces" as well as 2,360 square feet of ground-level retail in downtown Santa Clara, the heart of the technology hub that's home to companies like Apple, Google and Nvidia.
The project sought to embody the "walkable, cultured, and casual lifestyle of Madrid, Spain," hence the development's name, after the Spanish Queen Sofia National Museum Art Center. The project's mix of style and practicality won it a 2025 CoStar Impact Award, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
Sofia is steps from the Caltrain public rail system for easy access to the region's major tech employers. The units also prioritized details such as outdoor spaces and big panoramic windows to capitalize on views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and flexible layouts that cater to remote workers. The end product is what developer Summerhill Apartment Communities describes as a "welcoming and inclusive environment for our residents to call home." According to CoStar leasing data, the building is almost totally leased after its opening in 2024.
"The marketing strategy emphasized the community's eco-friendly amenities and flexible living spaces tailored for remote work," the developer said. "Engaging content on social platforms showcased resident stories, building a sense of belonging even before move-in."
About the project: Sofia's courtyard and three terraces are an extension of the indoor space for residents to lounge, work and play. Each terrace is designed to be unique to its location and sun exposure, complete with pergolas as an allusion to the theme of bringing the indoors outside. The terraces are lined with outdoor counters and grills, fire tables with seating, worktables with outlets, and lounge areas. Sharing the courtyard space is a two-tiered custom fountain and large fire table, an ideal spot for residents to spend cozy evenings. An abundance of flowers and a variety of evergreen plant material add color and drama throughout the seasons.
What the judges said: "This development is truly impactful, delivering much-needed housing just steps away from major tech hubs," said Devon M. Stout, senior vice president, Compass Commercial. "Beyond its astonishing architecture, it offers a sophisticated, upscale atmosphere tailored to professionals in the technology sector. A perfect blend of design and convenience, this project sets a new standard for modern urban living."
They made it happen: Doug McDonald, president of SummerHill Apartment Communities, spearheaded the project with the help of Ryan Flautz, associate principal at architect KTGY, Taylor Yates, vice president at Ryan Young Interiors, and Mike Avila, owner of Michael Roberts Construction.
CoStar Senior Marketing Manager Ashley McClain contributed to this report.
This news article was updated on Apr. 2 to correct the spelling of Silicon in the headline and on Apr. 14 to change the name of the developer.