Google Bolsters San Jose Presence Through Alviso Office Acquisition

Google has completed the purchase of a substantial office property in San Jose's Alviso neighborhood for $25.2 million. The two-story, 83,000-square-foot building at 4500 North 1st Street has joined the company's expanding collection of facilities in the area.

The acquisition has placed the new property directly beside the Meadow Point campus where Google already maintains nine buildings. Constructed in 2018, the facility came equipped with surface parking and will deliver immediate operational advantages through seamless integration with the surrounding infrastructure.

Thousands of Googlers will relocate to the Meadow Point campus this spring and bring more activity to northern San Jose. Google has restructured other real estate holdings at the same time by moving its cloud computing division to Sunnyvale and reducing subleased spaces. These steps have underscored a focused commitment to core locations here.

Anyone passionate about San Jose's future will see the benefits ripple outward as activity increases around Alviso. While it's not the 8 million SQFT Google campus we are all waiting for in Downtown San Jose, it's a step in the right direction.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Will Transform Vacant Race Street Office Into Thriving High School Campus

A long-vacant three-story office building on Race Street has found a new future. BASIS Independent Schools has proposed converting the property at 525 Race Street into a complete high school campus designed for up to 800 students. The plan calls for turning underused commercial space into a vibrant educational hub complete with new facilities.

Workers will reconfigure roughly 72,700 square feet of existing space into classrooms and advanced learning labs. A brand new 16,600-square-foot gymnasium will complement the campus and bring the total size to nearly 89,400 square feet. The school will also feature around 100 staff members along with a summer session lasting six to eight weeks.

By repurposing empty office buildings, the city will inject new life into neighborhoods while meeting growing demand for quality education. Thoughtful traffic measures including staggered start times will help the campus blend smoothly into the area.

When classes begin in August 2029, families across the South Bay will gain valuable new options for their children’s high school years.

Source: Hoodline

Spring Fling Wine Stroll Awaits at Santana Row

The Spring Fling Wine Stroll takes place on Thursday, March 19th from 5-7:30pm across Santana Row. Attendees will move between tasting stations set up at shops and restaurants throughout the row, sampling selections that range from local California vintages to international favorites, accompanied by lite bites.

Expect to encounter selections from producers such as Cuda Ridge Wines, JMC Cellars, Rosa Fierro Cellars, Sakura Winery, and Steven Kent Winery. The evening unfolds with live music drifting through the plazas, and exclusive shopping perks.

A share of the $50 ticket price goes toward Hunger at Home, aiding meal distribution in the community. For tickets and additional information, visit https://santanarow.com/event/spring-fling-wine-stroll/

2026 Silicon Valley Index Confirms San Jose Region’s Remarkable Innovation Strength

The 2026 Silicon Valley Index has delivered compelling evidence of the powerful growth trajectory running through San Jose. The regional economy expanded 38 percent over the past decade, clearly surpassing growth recorded in California and across the United States. Venture capital investment climbed to $92 billion while local creators filed more than 23,000 patents in one year alone. Productivity has reached $336,515 per worker, standing 75 percent above the national average.

San Jose has anchored this dynamic ecosystem from the start. The city has helped sustain nearly half of the nation’s unicorn companies and attracted exceptional talent that continues driving breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Strong productivity numbers and elevated earnings levels have reinforced the area’s global leadership position.

These results have emerged from years of focused collaboration and bold vision. The Index has shown how San Jose has built an environment where ambitious ideas gain the support needed to reach the world stage. The latest data has highlighted a solid foundation capable of propelling San Jose toward even bigger achievements in the coming years.

Download the complete 2026 Silicon Valley Index report here: https://jointventure.org/images/stories/pdf/index2026-jvsv.pdf

San Jose Opens New AI Training Center at Downtown MLK Jr. Library

San Jose launched the AI Center for Civic and Social Good to strengthen its position as a technology leader. The new facility occupies the first floor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library at San Jose State University near the south entrance by Tower Lawn in Downtown San Jose. This public hub will provide free classes and workshops tailored for students, job seekers, and city employees eager to build vital capabilities.

Adobe contributed a key grant to develop the space and fund ongoing activities. The city and San Jose State University partnered on the project with a total budget around $800,000. OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google enhanced the offerings through the established AI for All initiative by providing access to specialized online courses, training pathways, and certifications.

OpenAI will roll out in-person workforce training sessions at the center starting in April. This public expansion builds successfully on prior programs that equipped city employees with practical AI tools for their roles. Leaders structured the center to help locals actively participate in the AI growth transforming the region.

This is one more step San Jose is taking to steadily advance toward its goal of becoming the most AI-literate city on the planet. The initiative pairs education efforts with broader initiatives to bring data centers and AI investments into Downtown San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

Easter Pet Photos with the Bunny Arrive at Santana Row

Santana Row will host an adorable Easter tradition tomorrow, March 15th, that welcomes pets and their owners with open arms. Visitors will step into a festive photo setup complete with the Easter Bunny for professional portraits that capture springtime charm. The event will run from 10am-2pm in Park Valencia (in front of Maggiano's). Photos with your pet requires a minimum donation of $10, but all proceeds will benefit the Humane Society Silicon Valley.

Pet lovers will enjoy a dedicated space designed for dogs, cats and other companions to pose safely and comfortably. Professional photographers will guide each session to ensure everyone looks their best against cheerful Easter backdrops. Afterward, the district's luxury shops and restaurants stand ready for continued exploration and relaxation.

Santana Row is a pro at blending holiday fun with everyday sophistication, This event fits perfectly into the upscale location's calendar of engaging activities that keep the area lively year-round.

San Jose Ghost Tour Brings Eerie Tales to Life in Downtown San Jose

Happy Friday the 13th! A few weeks ago I had a chance to participate in one of the most unique walks I have ever taken throughout Downtown San Jose. I joined the San Jose Ghost Tour: The Scythe, Sacrifice, & Silhouette. The guided one-mile journey takes participants past buildings steeped in decades of dramatic events and reported hauntings while at the same dropping tons of fascinating history of San Jose.

The experience began under the prominent arch at Paseo de San Carlos and wound through areas tied to everything from Wild West saloons and brothels to brewery tragedies to sorrows at San Jose State University. Stories shared included the former Sainte Claire Hotel, where spirits have remained active, and the last public lynching in the US at St. James Park.

I learned so many new things from the tour. I don't want to give too much away, but did you know Trials Pub used to have a jail in the basement where several people died, and the remnants of the cells are still there directly beneath the dart boards? Multiple people have reported ghost sightings at Trials as well as unexplained bruises when collecting darts.

On the other hand I also learned that the concept of quicksilver (mercury) mining actually came from Indian tribes. While there was so much fuss about the gold rush, more money was made mining quicksilver at the New Almaden Mine in San Jose than ANY individual gold mine in all of California.

This tour succeeded in blending in documented local history with accounts of shadow figures and unexplained phenomena. Anyone drawn to unique perspectives on local heritage will find this tour delivers in compelling fashion. The walk has offered distinctive way to experience Downtown San Jose after dark and the tour guide was fantastic!

All of the tours start at 8pm and are relatively kid friendly (ideal for older kids). Reserve your tickets at https://usghostadventures.com/san-jose-ghost-tour/ or https://lizzie-borden.com/ghost-tours/san-jose/

Flora is Blooming in Santana Row

San Jose foodies are getting yet another trio of compelling reasons to head to Santana Row. Flora San Jose will soon transform the long-vacant Rosie McCann's space into a versatile all-day dining destination on a prime corner behind Hotel Valencia.

Russ Fukushima and Jameson Parvizad of Water Tower Kitchen team up with Danny Shafazand of Bell Tower Cafe and NOVA Nightclub in Downtown San Jose to create the new concept. Guests will enjoy a seamless shift from bright morning meals to lively evening dining with an evolving menu that matches the time of day.

At the same time Bacio di Latte is already scooping its high-quality Italian gelato at Santana Row, and Johnny Doughnuts will soon bring its nationally acclaimed handcrafted doughnuts to the neighborhood.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Advances Plans for 272 Affordable Homes Along West San Carlos Street

Site development permits filed recently have propelled forward an addition of 272 fully affordable apartments at 860 West San Carlos Street. Swenson partnered with Republic Urban Properties to create this seven-story building that will stand 79 feet tall across a 2.2-acre site between Sunol Street and Swenson Drive, completing the final phase alongside the established Silver at Ohlone and Patina@Midtown communities.

A thoughtful mix of residences will cater to diverse needs with 107 one-bedroom units, 96 two-bedroom homes, and 69 three-bedroom options. Shared amenities centered on third-floor podium courtyards will include a fitness center, computer room, multipurpose space, and storage for 76 bicycles. The 242-space garage will support practical living while encouraging use of nearby transit.

Those who settle here will appreciate the short stroll or bike ride to Diridon Station, providing easy access to Caltrain, Light Rail, BRT and eventually BART and California High Speed Rail (maybe). While it's not a high-rise, it is dense for the area.

Source: SF YIMBY

There are Still Some Affordable Homes in San Jose

The median price of Silicon Valley homes just hit the eye-watering $2 million mark, meaning half of all homes in the San Jose metro sold for $2 million or more in 2025. Fortunately, there are still some rare affordable options out there under $1 million in San Jose. Below is one option in particular that is personal to me since a family member is selling it.

The home is a two-unit duplex near Little Portugal that is listed at $979,888. The 1948-built property combines two separate 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom units in a 1,462 square foot building across a 5,250-square-foot lot. The rear unit has a private backyard and detached two-car garage.

You could live in one unit and rent out the other, making it even more affordable, or rent out both as an investment property. I've seen both options for this home in my lifetime.

It has easy access to Highways 101, 680, and 280 and is walking distance to the BRT station on Alum Rock & King. It's also an easy walk to Plata Arroyo Park with soccer fields, basketball courts, a skatepark, playgrounds, and an outdoor gym.

If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact the listing agent at kalina.vu.santos@gmail.com or (408) 888-1178.