Monday, December 27, 2010
North San Pedro Development
It looks like the Barry Swenson housing development in the North San Pedro area downtown is one step closer to breaking ground. The San Jose City Council has approved the sale of 7+ acres for the project, which would encompass 3 high-rises and several townhomes. In total, there will be at least 730 units, 2 new parks, and a realignment of Julian Street back to a traditional grid. Barry hopes to start construction by Summer 2011 and have the first tower open by the end of 2012!
I don't know why this is to be celebrated, given the failure of downtown real estate development.
ReplyDeleteI really wish you would apply a more sober and less of a promotional, uncritical celebration when alleged "development", based on formulas repeatedly shown to fail, are applied in SJ.
And, on a personal note, Swenson's architecture is downright ugly and alienating. I don't know why his firm-and that of others- get to blight our historic downtown with soul-less buildings.
the big deal is the city/RDA get $31million to either buy ballpark land or pay the county and other obligations that are past due. I doubt swenson will get the project started as scheduled
ReplyDeleteAgree regarding the Swenson comment. City Heights is hideous. We need more developments like The 88.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I've included it on a site I've created, which is a compilation of some of the best blogs in the city.
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I agree that the design of City Heights leaves much to be desired, but I don't think the urban real estate model is broken by any means. In fact, the units in City Heights are almost completely sold. High-rise residential is definitely the future of San Jose housing, and any new building that breaks ground right now will contribute to a more vibrant downtown. I'll take a gray tower filled with people over a parking lot any day of the week (okay most days).
ReplyDeleteI do hope that these upcoming buildings will have a better design, but even in City Heights the residents seemed to make the most of it by putting up some pretty unique holiday decorations.
I think these plans look better than the crappy lots that are there now. They need to start to develop around City Hall. (North East) That area is a mess and it doesn't make sense to have that useless market next door. Build a high rise there! Close to San Jose State.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see Swenson moving forward with this. Hopefully the towers will look more like Axis and 360 rather than City Heights.
ReplyDeleteBecause Axis and 360 have proven to be such amazing successes....yes, note the sarcasm here.
ReplyDeleteThe 88 and Axis aren't doing so bad given the economy. 360, not sure what the heck happened there =). As apartments, I'm sure 360 will fill up pretty quickly as long as they don't set rents at Santana Row levels.
ReplyDeleteAgree with most here about Swenson building designs. Actually when I look at the future high rise map on this site, most building designs dont look that great.I hope some future developer makes something more original that stands out and not cookie cutter like all these other ones.
ReplyDeleteAlso agree with others regarding Swenson's designs. With these buildings, it looks like the three brown structures are parking garages which have the potential to dominate streetscapes and ruin frontages if not designed properly.
ReplyDeleteYup. I like how the residential parking garage at The 88 is integrated with the main structure. And of course the entire first floor is all retail so it really doesn't look like a parking garage at all.
ReplyDeleteThe design for Swenson's "The Carlysle" looks A LOT better than City Heights, I'm sure these new towers will be more along those lines.
ReplyDeleteThey've made a very good ground-breaking event last night. I've heard from my sources that their park will have huge trees imported from other countries.
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