San Jose State University transforms historic luxury hotel into college dorms

What was once a historic downtown San Jose hotel has now been transformed into college dormitories. On Thursday, San Jose State University celebrated the grand opening of Spartan Village on the Paseo.

San Jose State University President Cynthia Teniente-Matson highlighted the project’s rapid progress. "The approval was given less than a year ago, and the speed and scale of this project are unprecedented for SJSU," she said.

In just four months, SJSU converted the south tower of the Signia by Hilton—formerly the Fairmont—into student housing. The 13-floor luxury hotel tower, with 11 floors dedicated to residential use, will accommodate 700 undergraduate students.

Though the names on the suite doors remain from the hotel days, the new desks, wardrobes, and beds are fresh additions, while some of the original furnishings, like couches, are still in place.

Residential advisor Paloma Hubbard shared her thoughts: "The curtains are really nice blackout curtains. Now I get a view of the entire city and the hills—it’s much more peaceful."

The marble bathrooms still bear the hallmark of their hotel origins. Residential advisor Aniket Sheth noted the spaciousness: "When I opened the door, I was impressed by the size of the room and the ensuite bathroom. I have a shower with a glass door, a bathtub, and a large vanity sink."

Spartan Village on the Paseo is the largest post-pandemic conversion of commercial space to residential in the region.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra praised the project during the ribbon-cutting ceremony: "This is a national model, especially in a high-cost area like San Jose. It addresses the housing needs of students, particularly in a region where student homelessness rates are among the highest in the CSU system."

Local and state officials played a crucial role in securing funding and ensuring the project’s timely completion. Several speakers, including State Senator David Cortese, acknowledged his invaluable support.

Cortese remarked, "Spartan Village on the Paseo surpasses other student housing projects in the Bay Area. It’s a standout example of university integration into an urban center."

The first group of students will move in on Friday, with 124 affordable beds set aside for those in need.

Charlie Faas, Vice President of Administration and Finance/CFO at SJSU, expressed optimism: "This development offers students an opportunity for urban living while remaining in a safe campus environment."