Unfortunately, there is no commercial space being included as part of this project. With such great proximity to public transit (Caltrain, Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail, and eventually BART and HSR), this site would be ideal to have some at least one floor of offices. Don't get me wrong, I'm still thrilled to see this proposal in the area. However, we do need to increase the balance of office space versus residential in the Downtown area at some point this decade to make sure the local economy is balanced and we don't remain the largest city in the US that has a larger population at night than during the daytime.
Source: SVBJ, Hat-tip to Andy Wasklewicz for sending this in.
Another really drab, mind-numbingly boring apartment building. What a missed opportunity. I would love to understand the city's architectural review of this crap. Does anyone in charge have any kind of clue or expectations that would nudge these developers in a better direction?
ReplyDeleteThe developer just submitted the permit app, it hasn't gone through the ARC process or community meetings.
DeleteHow about instead of complaining in the comments section here, you go to one of these meetings and voice your opinion?
I agree John. It's certainly a missed opportunity and it seems to me that the architectural review committee is passing almost everything that comes across their desk so they can say something is being built. Sheesh. I will be interested to see if they force them to add commercial space (I think they should) as I think it would be a great location for small/medium size start-ups and a large co-working space due to the lack of available spaces currently in the city.
ReplyDeleteIt's infill development. Let's focus more on the street engaegment. Save the stricter requirements for high profile lots and corners. Don't delay the prouduction for quality apartments because "its not pretty enough" there will be a time where we can critique these because to be above the standard. Lets achieve the standard first before reaching higher
ReplyDeleteOh great! Just what the Bay Area needs, more rental property taking up desperately needed space for homeowner inventory.
ReplyDeleteMore houses? Yay, suburbia. Is someone having trouble with their down payment?
DeleteStreet retail should be a requirement within a mile radius of Diridon
ReplyDeleteBetter design doesn't mean "pretty" - it just requires a little bit more effort. That's where this city fails repeatedly. And this IS a "high profile" corner. It's directly across from one of the most important developments downtown and less than one block from Diridon.
ReplyDeleteWhy is everything currently being built apartments? I have multiple friends and colleagues who are looking for luxury condo homes, willing to relocate to San Jose but there is just nothing being built. There is also a new project coming up in Japantown which is also apartments.
ReplyDeleteCan someone explain to me why with such a great shortage of homes available, developers keep developing apartments?
Pack'em in and cash in. That's the developer's mantra. Long term urban vision? Nah. Building materials that will stand the test of time? Nah.
DeleteSilvery Towers will be condos, so will SiliconSage's project on Balbach.
DeleteI read that Silvery Towers was apartments, is there an article or document somewhere that states they will be condos?
DeleteHere ya go Anon,
Deletehttp://news.theregistrysf.com/residential-projects-taking-downtown-san-jose-vertical/
It's pretty much common knowledge that Silvery would be all condos since KT sold it to Full Power last year.
I've heard that it's still up in the air with Silvery Towers. The developers might be leaning towards apartments.
Delete