Hat-tip to Jeff for sending in the info!
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Single digit vacancy rate for rentals always leads to new construction in densely populated areas and downtown San Jose is no exception. A recent discussion with Councilmember Sam Liccardo shed new light on projects in the works...and the truth about others that, until now, were just rumors. First, while there is definite interest in the lot between The 88 and The Rep, as well as the SW corner of Santa Clara and Market Street, nothing, according to Liccardo, will happen until the market improves.
Currently, all parties are "simply too far apart," he says.
New apartment construction however, has already been approved to move forward, including three residential high rises: 1. A six-story affordable housing facility for up to 135 residents will be built on Bassett Street, on the east side of the Market Street overpass and west of N San Pedro. The First Community Housing project will be Leed Certified; 2. A six-story Barry Swenson project will be built just on the other side of the Market Street overpass, north of Julian; 3. The largest of the three-also a Barry Swenson project-will include market rate, high-end units and top off at 22 stories near Axis and Andy's Pet Shop. This construction project is expected to also trigger the long awaited Julian Street renovation.
"Look for cranes in the air by year's end," said Liccardo.
I have been waiting for this project to kick off for a long time. Lets get the cranes cranked up!!
ReplyDeleteFinally! More please!
ReplyDeleteAwesome stuff Josh! That tower and its ground floor retail will make for a great addition to the San Pedro Square market area.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I believe the first 6-story affordable residential mentioned is actually east of the 87 overpass, not Market Street overpass, at Basset. Kind of sandwiched in there between 87, Basset and our future ballpark (jk, wishful thinking on my part ;)
FYI, here is some info about the First Community Housing project on Bassett Street.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sanjoseca.gov/planning/hearings/PC/2011/Reports/1214/CP11-034.pdf
Maybe it's just me, but the location of that First community housing project (crammed between 87, Bassett and the UPRR track) seems rather odd. I could see it being the last phase of the entire North San Pedro housing project, but as it stands now it will be next to a freeway, railroad and sea of vacant lots.
ReplyDeleteThe high rise will be rentals then? That's disappointing, but at least there'll be new construction. Having retail at the ground level is great.
ReplyDeleteIt's not disappointing at all. San Jose's rental market is red hot and after watching what happened at the Axis and 88, and how 360s filled up when it switched to rentals, it makes complete sense. Every major city has a huge rental market, its just that San Jose's rental market hasn't adapted to urban life as quickly as others. Rentals are a profitable way to go for developers and allows younger professionals an easier way into the downtown market.
DeleteDoes anyone know the property described as "A six-story Barry Swenson project will be built just on the other side of the Market Street overpass, north of Julian"? Trying to figure out where that's going in.
ReplyDeleteMark,
DeleteI've been wondering the same thing. The above got the location of the First community housing wrong (east of 87 overpass, not east of Market Street overpass), so the 6-story housing mentioned is probably wrong as well. I'm thinking its the plot west of Market Street overpass, north of Julian and east of North San Pedro. However, unlike the First community housing project, I'm not finding any official docs on that project (EIR, notices, etc.). If I'm correct...there goes my NSP ballpark idea ;).
What's disappointing is the lame design. It's too "safe" and it looks totally prefab, not unlike City Heights (blah!).
ReplyDeleteWhy can't this city put some value on urban planning and design? Who is responsible for review? Where is the process for public input?
I actually do live and work downtown and these projects just sort of happen - and it feels like the city just accepts whatever, because there's vacant land and a willing developer.
What did you expect? It's Barry Swenson.
DeleteSame developer as City Heights.
DeleteThe City is so concerned about filling vacant spots, densifying downtown and bringing life to the ground level now since they've missed the boat in the past. They forget what is seen from a distance and the long term affects of bad architecture. There is a place for this type of architecture but maybe at a smaller scale. When you go up there are other considerations that need to be taken into account.
DeleteThe 88 is the best looking building with the best amenities in Downtown SJ. Makes sense as it was developed by a SF developer. I hate all of Barry's work. He is all about building cheap wooden boxes.
ReplyDeleteI agree that BSB's offerings aren't the most attractive. However, the BSB is a large property holder in the greater-downtown area. I'd much rather have more modern high rises (i.e., AXIS, 88, etc.) grace our skyline. Nonetheless, if the city has a developer willing to pour millions of private dollars of real estate investment into downtown, who's to turn them away? As DTSJ becomes more developed, more higher-end projects will fill the spectrum.
ReplyDeleteBSB is willing to spend millions on DTSJ but the City should not sacrifice bad urban projects just to get shovels in the dirt. In the long term these projects will hurt the urban experience downtown if not done well, and controlled by the City.
Deletelets hope the retail spots fill up, way too much vacant storefronts downtown!
ReplyDeleteWell, the fact that the San Pedro Square Market is doing so well shows that there is a market for retail and I think it will draw more retail into the surrounding area.
DeleteSubdivided the spaces and retailers will come. 9000sf won't attract a small business, but 400 or 500sf can be workable. That is another reason San Pedro Market is doing so well- small manageable spaces, despite their $7sf price tag.
DeleteOh great. Another Barry Swenson project. When will we get this guy out of San Jose?
ReplyDeleteAs long as he is building for density, I m all for it. His designs may not be the most awe inspiring but they definitely arent horrible either.
DeleteAs a resident of a BSB building, I'm actually quite fond of his work. Granted, not as pretty on the outside, but very livable and by far the best sound protection I've encountered in a high-rise.
ReplyDeleteFast forward two years and construction is underway. Looking forward to the finished product.
ReplyDeleteOne guy really hates Barry. One South Market is a 135 million dollar project, which lead to more towers like Centerra and the Silvery Towers being approved. Most people aren't going to say no to 135 million just cause the project isn't pretty enough. It gets people living, working, shopping and enjoying DTSJ.
ReplyDelete