MVE + PARTNERS COMPLETES $290M ORLO AND ALBA  

Apartment buildings bring 725 units to a growing transit-oriented destination in the SF Bay Area 

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – MVE + Partners, an award-winning architecture firm, has completed two mixed-use buildings for the first phase of the Gateway Crossings development, which is part of the overall Highline Transit Village in Northern California. Buildings Orlo and Alba together add 725 residential units, robust amenities, and retail options that are anchored by a two-acre central greenspace. The architecture of the two buildings celebrates Santa Clara’s industrial past while offering a contemporary vision of the city’s future. 

“It is a privilege to see the first phase of the Gateway Crossings development come to life,” said Paul Kearney, Senior Associate Partner at MVE. “Orlo and Alba offer a diverse mix of living and retail options to a growing transit destination.” 

Orlo and Alba, which have complementary architecture, are connected by a central park that bridges the residential, retail and nearby office and transit components of the Gateway Crossings development. The park was planned to enhance pedestrian connectivity while also providing space for visitors to relax and attend vibrant community events. 

Orlo, the first building completed, pays homage to Santa Clara’s heritage as a historic railroad hub. Its 318 units are housed in a seven-story structure featuring industrial-inspired architecture, including a rustic brick fade, aluminum balconies, detailed window headers and sills, and pronounced structural beams that create a warm, historic feel. Orlo offers a variety of floor plans, from studios to three-bedroom apartments, as well as amenities such as a pool, co-working space, and fitness center. The building also includes ample parking and 3,613 square feet of retail space. 

Alba bridges the industrial architecture of Orlo with the contemporary style of the Highline Transit Village. The 407-unit building features a smooth stucco finish and incorporates glass railings and abstract window fenestration patterns, delivering a polished and modern feel. Also standing at seven stories, Alba includes a pool and lounging area, fitness and co-working space, along with a clubroom, gaming space, and makerspace. The building provides 11,345 square feet of retail and 641 parking spots for residential and commercial uses. Both buildings are Title 24 compliant. Alba also hosts a 7,600-square-foot community space that will serve as the future home of the Santa Clara Police Activities League. 

In addition to designing Orlo and Alba, MVE is master-planning the entire Gateway Crossings development, a high-density, 24-acre transit-oriented project that will continue to expand in the coming years.  

Notable partners on the project include Holland Partner Group (developer of Orlo and Alba), Hunter Storm (master plan developer of Gateway Crossings), Vida Design Group (interior designer), Peterson Studio (landscape designer), BKF (civil engineer), FBA Inc. and Nelson Structural Engineers (structural engineers). 

“It was a pleasure working with MVE + Partners to transform a formerly industrial site into a vibrant new residential neighborhood for Santa Clara,” said Alden Smith at Holland Partner Group.  

The address for Orlo is 1200 Rickabaugh Way and Alba can be found at 350 Chastain Place. Both are within the 95050 ZIP code of Santa Clara, Calif. 

About MVE + Partners 

Celebrating over 51 years in the industry, MVE + Partners provides architecture, planning, and interiors from multiple studios across the United States and Mexico to clients worldwide. MVE + Partners’ mission is to design with passion, collaborate effectively, and sustainably enrich the communities it serves — continually delivering buildings that are exceptional by design.