Sunday, October 3, 2010

Panel Advocates Denser Downtown

A panel led by mixed-use development advocate Alan Talansky is pushing for a denser downtown, music to my ears. The panel consists of designers, architects, and economists and they will present their report on development options at an event sponsored by the High-Speed Rail Authority and the Urban Land Institute. They idea is that after HSR is built, San Jose will be a massive hub with a flagship transit facility at Diridon station. Based on what's written in the San Jose Business Journal, the panel is recommending:

  • Increase building height caps [heck yes!]
  • Increase the density of office building [yes, please!]
  • Increase housing density [I really like these guys!]
  • Develop more restaurants and entertainment venues [yes, yes, yes!]
  • Increase connections between Diridon to downtown and surrounding neighborhoods [running out of ways to say yes!]
  • Create a mixed-use, multi-purpose ballpark [you had me at increasing height caps!]
  • Establish shuttle service between downtown and SJC [are they reading my mind?]
Whoever these guys are, I wish them all the luck in the world! Heck, I'll taken any one of the items above. More than 3 would be nirvana. For the full article, click over here. I'll also post some random photos of buildings that were in planning before the economy crashed, just to demonstrate where the development direction was going even before HSR.

8 comments:

  1. Oh my god, I want that all...

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  2. It's interesting that they don't mention needing more retail. A lot of people seem to think that's what downtown is missing, but I was never sure I agreed. I guess this panel doesn't think it's an issue either.

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  3. They did say restaurants and entertainment venues, which is close.

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  4. how do we not need retail? downtown is seriously pathetic in that regard... name one place to buy clothes other than janky, lame ross. seriously.

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  5. I'm not saying downtown has great retail, I'm just not sure that's what it needs. I like good bars, restaurants, and theaters a lot more than shopping for clothes.

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  6. everyone is going to have different interests, but if this city actually expects a dense downtown with actual residents, we need all of that. it's incredibly frustrating to try to get things done downtown, run errands, etc. in my opinion, a third of the bars can close and make way for a hardware store, some clothing stores, boutiques and please an alternative to walgreens.

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  7. I actually like the Ross down there. I was able to find most of the items I would normally pick up at Macy's for a fraction of the price.

    The other types of retail that I would personally like to see are unique shops and boutiques. Carmel is a great example of a city that has many cool shops that are interesting to look in and draw a lot of people.

    Should also mention that with the San Pedro Market, a lot of additional retail is coming downtown.

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  8. i don't know. for the third largest city in california and the capital of silicon valley, it's awfully lame that we are stuck with ross and that's it.

    boutiques and cool shops are great and all, but in order for the city to function and be vibrant, we need a mix of retail and services. living downtown doesnt do much for me, if i have to get in my car and drive all over the place to get things done.

    not trying to be negative; just don't get the situation.

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