Italian steakhouse joins AVE Santa Clara and Clara’s Junction as part of a dynamic district anchored by lifestyle, culture, and connection
LONG BEACH, Calif., – (May 19, 2025) – Ensemble Investments, LLC (Ensemble) continues to bring its vision for a vibrant, walkable, and experience-rich neighborhood to life with the announcement of Clara District’s first signature restaurant. Located at AVE Santa Clara, the award-winning elevated residential community featuring 311 luxury apartments and flexible-stay furnished apartments, this new dining destination will serve as a community cornerstone and represents a major placemaking milestone for the growing district in Santa Clara.
Designed as a future-forward neighborhood at the intersection of innovation and everyday life, Clara District blends elevated apartment living, curated retail, and open public spaces to create a state-of-the-art community. Ensemble’s six interconnected projects within the district will ultimately bring more than 1,250 residential units, 40,000 square feet of retail and dining, 40,000 square feet of creative space, and 40,000 square feet of public open space to the city.
Now, that vision is taking a bold step forward with the introduction of an Italian steakhouse from the restaurateurs behind Hero Ranch Kitchen and Flowers Saratoga. With strong community ties and a proven hospitality track record, the group will bring a new standard of dining to Clara District. The nearly 5,000-square-foot space—featuring both indoor and outdoor seating—will sit at a high-profile gateway corner across from Related’s The Clara Residences, adjacent to Clara’s Junction food and beverage garden, and along a new walkable corridor connecting residents and visitors alike.
“As restaurateurs with deep roots in this region, we’re excited to bring something truly special to Clara District,” said John Keller and Angelo Heropoulos, co-founders of the Hero Ranch Kitchen Group. “We’re building more than a restaurant—we’re creating a destination where food, design, and community come together in a fresh, elevated way.”
The restaurant’s design, led by Groundswell Design Group and George Kelly Architects, is inspired by the coastal charm of Positano—featuring warm light oak, seafoam greens, Mediterranean tilework, and lush greenery. Together, the elements create a relaxed yet refined setting designed to feel effortlessly inviting for locals, residents, and visitors alike.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome this standout restaurant to AVE Santa Clara. It’s the perfect complement to our elevated apartment experience and a dynamic addition to Clara District,” said CJ Bowen, General Manager of AVE Santa Clara. “Having a destination like this just steps from our front door enhances the lifestyle we offer our residents—blending community, convenience, and curated hospitality in a way that truly sets us apart.”
The new restaurant project builds upon Ensemble’s broader placemaking efforts across the district, including 25,000 square feet of retail anchored by a 70-foot-wide walkable street, public art installations, outdoor seating and gathering areas, and landscaped greenways that encourage interaction and movement. The district’s location offers convenient access to regional open spaces—including the 40-acre Ulistic Nature Preserve, 35 acres of regional parks, and 10 acres of new sports fields—woven together by an integrated network of bike paths and sidewalks.
“We’ve always seen Clara District as more than a development—it’s a living, breathing neighborhood built around connection, gathering, and purpose,” said Steve Edwards, Senior Vice President of Lifestyle Development at Ensemble Investments. “This new restaurant is a key piece of that vision and will serve as both a culinary anchor and a social hub for Santa Clara’s next great community.”
Clara District is also strategically located near Levi’s Stadium and Silicon Valley’s major corporate hubs with walkable access to multi-modal transit including Amtrak-ACE Rail, VTA Light Rail, CALTRAIN, BART, and local shuttle stops.
“Santa Clara has long been a city of innovation, and Clara District reflects that spirit in how it blends design, lifestyle, and neighborhood identity,” said Lisa Gillmor, Mayor of Santa Clara. “We’re thrilled to see this next chapter unfold and proud to support a district that puts community at the center of everything.”
The new restaurant is slated to open ahead of Super Bowl LX in February 2026, bringing renewed energy and attention to the district’s growing mix of retail, hospitality, and residential offerings.
“This is just the beginning,” added Edwards. “With each new opening—from parks and restaurants to apartments and public art—we’re shaping a district that truly reflects the best of what Santa Clara can be.”
About Ensemble Investments, LLC
Ensemble is a leading commercial real estate investment firm specializing in comprehensive investment, development, ownership, and management strategies. Established in 1989, Ensemble has consistently delivered transformative projects across multifamily, hospitality, corporate office, life science, and retail sectors. With headquarters in Long Beach, CA, and offices in Phoenix and Philadelphia, Ensemble assembles a diverse group of talented professionals to steward resources with creativity and tenacity, delivering inspiring environments and exceptional experiences. For more information, visit www.ensemble.net.
About AVE and Korman Communities
Korman Communities is a fully integrated, fifth-generation, 100-year-old real estate investment and property management company with nearly 40 properties across the United States and London. AVE specializes in elevated apartment living for discerning renters and individuals seeking a flexible living solution for business or personal lifestyle. AVE conveniently offers traditional unfurnished apartments along with fully furnished apartments with flexible lease options. Each community features a dedicated service team and unparalleled business, wellness, and entertainment amenities such as flex workspaces with gigabit Wi-Fi; resort pools; firepit lounges; 24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness centers; wellness classes; bike share; tranquility gardens; pet spas and parks; media theaters; and outdoor gaming and recreation. Ranked the No. 1 property management company in the U.S. based on renter satisfaction for the past three consecutive years, AVE provides comfort and seamless living for those who want to LIVE BETTER®. www.aveliving.com.
Contact:
Cameron Andrews
Pier Communications
562-432-5300
