Treasure Island is a 400-acre artificial island built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1936-37 in San Francisco Bay. In 2011, a masterplan for the island was developed and approved by the City of San Francisco. CO- was commissioned by the master developer of the island to rethink issues of density, urban quality, and open space for 8,000 planned units.

Leveraging our multi-scalar aptitude as designers and our grasp of the financial and political dimensions of development, we have worked within the framework of the twenty-year-old master plan to recommend options that would align development with stable long-term values. Requiring the capacity to look at the large picture as well as individual elements simultaneously, the project is an avenue to engage with government, communities, and larger organizations to examine the nature of how new districts should be developed and later perform. At least a quarter of the units for the plan are designated for affordable housing, and projects such as these allow us to question the appropriate distribution of housing types that are financially viable, and socially and environmentally sustainable.

The Valley is an icon that is shaped by the aspirational values of the 21st century. Situated in the center of the contemporary cradle of innovation, the twin peaks of The Valley are the urban landmarks that San Jose’s skyline lacks. The Valley is comprised of two landforms emerging from the eastern and western edges of Arena Green. Named after prominent women leaders from San Jose’s civic history, Vice Mayor Iola Williams and Mayor Janet Gray Hayes, Mount Iola, and Hayes Hill provide new space for gathering, active leisure, biodiversity, and sharing history and art. The two peaks represent the dynamic spirit of the people of San Jose and provide them with a platform to view their city in a way that they have never been able to before.