Dual high-rise project Icon/Echo requests an extension

One of the most anticipated development projects in San Jose is Icon/Echo at 147 East Santa Clara street. It's being developed by the San Jose superfans at Urban Catalyst. This firm has just completed it's Paseo project at the former Camera 12, now featuring Urban Putt and Eos & Nyx. They are also wrapping up a new Marriott Hotel with 176 rooms near the SAP Center.

Icon/Echo is one of Urban Catalyst's most ambitious projects. It'll have two towers, one 265 feet tall and the other 263 feet. Combined they will have 1,039 apartments.

Urban Catalyst has just requested an extension request to extend entitlement approvals by another two years. The financing market is challenging right now, and they need to shore up enough capital before starting construction. They have been successful with other projects in the past, and Downtown San Jose is only expected to get hotter when it comes to residential development in the future. I'm very optimistic we'll get to see this project move forward.

Source: SF YIMBY

New coworking space opening in Downtown San Jose

Pacific Workplaces is a flexible workspace solution for individuals and teams. It's a modern take on coworking. They are doing a grand opening for their newest space in Downtown San Jose on February 19th from 3-5pm.

The party will have food, music, and a raffle for a $1,000 Vari.com shopping spree. The new digs are at 84 W. Santa Clara Street, 7th Floor. It's a great central location in Downtown San Jose, walking distance to everything.

Source: Pacific Workplaces

Symphony San Jose presents THE FIREBIRD SUITE January 25 and 26, 2025

With music as enchanting and lavishly colorful as the title character, The Firebird is the perfect way to celebrate the new year. This suite comes from the 1910 ballet that launched Stravinsky’s international career. Opening the program is Sibelius’ most-famous composition, Finlandia, evoking the struggles of his native homeland with equal parts ominousness, pride, and festivity. Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn is one of the famed Romantic composer’s most popular works. Argentinian conductor Carlos Vieu brings Sonia Possetti’s spirited Bullanguera from his homeland to complete this program.

 

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

 

What: The Firebird

When: Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 7:30pm and Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets.

SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $24 to $121.50 (Ticket prices include $2.50 City Fee and Order Fee of $4.00.)

Special Youth Ticket price: A ticket for concert goers, age 17 and under, can be discounted up to 50% when purchased along with a full-price ticket.

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600 

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org 

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.
THE PROGRAM:

Jean Sibelius: Finlandia

Johannes Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn

Sonia Possetti: Bullanguera

Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite

 

ARTISTS

Conductor: Carlos Vieu

Biography: http://www.lombardoassociates.org/carlos-vieu

 

Symphony San Jose

www.symphonysanjose.org/

 

ArtWork: Courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Photos of the artist courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Google is giving San Jose $5 million for community benefits

Even thought Google's multi-million SQFT megaproject is still on hold, they are holding true to several of the commitments they made to the city of San Jose. 

Google will give $5 million to San Jose as part of its community benefits agreement for the Downtown West Project. $4.25 million will be put into the Community Stabilization and Opportunity Pathways Fund.  This aims to support under-resourced communities in San Jose due to rising costs and increase job opportunities.

If the project comes to fruition, then Google will invest a total of $155 million into public benefits for the San Jose community. However, that will be a rounding error compared to value of having 10,000 or so high-paying tech jobs that would be added to Downtown San Jose along with the ecosystem to support those workers.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

Data center would be used to warm and cool proposed Downtown San Jose high-rises

Westbank and PG&E are forming an unconventional partnership. Westbank wants to build a project that would include 4,000 total residential units and three data centers. 

Data centers use very large amounts of energy and require vast heating and cooling systems for those stacks of computers. The idea would be to use an underground system that could recycle excess energy from the data centers to provide heat and hot water to neighboring buildings. A similar thing can be done for cooling. PG&E believes that three data centers could potentially fuel 200,000 homes.

The three data centers would need about 200 MW of energy, and are expected to be used for AI. PG&E believes that new approaches like this could could help trim monthly expenses and lead to more affordable energy systems.

If this moves forward, construction for the first data center will begin within 12 months with the goal being completion in 2027. The second would be targeted for completion in 2028 and the third in 2029.

Source: SVBJ

New Downtown San Jose Artwork

Our friends at West Coast Artworks have several new canvas prints available featuring Downtown San Jose. I especially like the two new ones below. 

One highlights the MIRO towers, San Jose City Hall, and the Bank of Italy building. The other is a unique shot of the SoFA district starting with The Pierce and Sparq. In fact, that is probably the view that many will get from San Jose's newest luxury apartment building, The Fay.

I have purchased several of these prints and love them. They are always conversation starters for guests.

To see all of the new artwork, including those that ship in time for Christmas, head over here.

Keystone Marriott construction update

San Jose is in need of more hotel rooms, especially with the former Fairmont Annex tower now being used as SJSU housing and both the World Cup and Supper Bowl coming to the San Jose Metro in 2026. One of the few active hotel projects currently underway is a new Keystone Marriott near Diridon Station at 495 West San Carlos Street in San Jose

The project is close to both Downtown San Jose and Midtown. The hotel is eight stories and will have 176 rooms, each with a full kitchenette. Two cool features are a courtyard in the middle of the hotel on the fourth floor and a penthouse-level indoor-outdoor lounge with a bar and BBQ pit.

It'll be branded as a Townplace Suites hotel (part of the Marriott family) and is expected to be complete in early 2025. Below the render you can see a recent construction photo with the scaffolding starting to come down.

Source: SJNewKid from Skyscraper City, SFYIMBY

Hobee's Restaurant and Beer Garden is now open in Downtown San Jose

San Jose's newest Hobee's sits in a blue Victorian that used to be Ludwig's German Table. It also has one feature that no other Hobee's has, a beer garden. This element of the menu will open in 2025, but diners can already enjoy the breakfasts and coffeecakes that Hobee's is known for.

The current seating capacity is 65 on the inside and up to 140 outdoors. The new location is planning to play a strong role in the community and is already getting repeat customers and regulars.

Hobee's Restaurant and Beer Garden is located at 261 N. Second Street and is currently open from 8am to 2pm, Tuesday through Sunday. Those hours should expand in 2025. 

Source: The Mercury News

The most Christmassy bars in Downtown San Jose

Miracle is a Christmas-themed pop-up that transforms popular bars into kitschy holiday taverns with seasonal cocktails. This year both Paper Plane and Miniboss in Downtown San Jose are getting the full miracle treatment. 

If you are itching to get into the holiday spirit or happen to be exploring Christmas in the Park, swing by for an infusion of cheer and merriment. Many of the creative cocktail glasses you will find here are also available for sale. For more info, head over here.

Craving a more traditional bar experience? The owners of Paper Plane and Miniboss also have Still OG, Alter Ego, and Eos & Nyx within two blocks.

Residential midrise in North San Jose takes a step forward

A 118-unit residential building has been proposed for 380 North First Street. This is a just a few blocks north of St. James Park and on the border of what you would typically consider Downtown San Jose.

The project is seven stories tall and sits on just half an acre. Not much is listed regarding amenities, but the project would have 74 parking spaces. 18 of the units will be reserved for low-income households.

Currently on the site is a 12,000 SQFT building and 20 trees that would make to be removed in order to make way for the new construction.

Source: SF YIMBY

Rollati had added an Italian Mercato to Downtown San Jose

Rollati was my favorite new restaurant opening in Downtown San Jose for 2023. It brough upscale Italian cuisine to the City Hall neighborhood, nestled under the two MIRO high-rises across the street from the City Hall Rotunda. Now they have added a cute little Italian store with groceries and gifts on the side of the restaurant.

They're stocking pastas, cheeses, olives, salads, and an assortment of beverages. It's one more reason to check out an already exceptional restaurant.

Source: 408Nate on X

Pete Be Center to bring more live music and events to SoFA District

San Jose's SoFA District took a hit when Uproar Brewery closed down. Even after the transition to Level Uproar, it still couldn't stay afloat. Now another entrepreneur is taking over the space and turning it into an event space.

Pete Be wants Downtown San Jose to be a major social destination seven days a week. He wants to build a venue that will activate the area and bring more popular musical acts to San Jose. The Pete Be Center is crucial to that goal.

The venue is a sizable 11,000 SQFT including the mezzanine. In addition to live music, he is planning to host block parties on the sidewalk and street outside and have cultural events. His goal is to regularly bring 1,500 to 2,000 people to SoFA for events.

If everything goes according to plan, the party will start between April and June next year.

Source: The Mercury News

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk December 2024

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back this week with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

One of the more unique parts of this event for December is the opening of HARK! Annual Holiday Show & Sale at KALEID Gallery on First. Over 50 artists are featured and hundreds of unique artworks are available between $12-$250. Artwork is sold first come, first served and you can take your purchases home immediately.

It all goes down on Friday, December 6th. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts

Turkey Trot 2024

The annual Turkey Trot in San Jose has become a Thanksgiving tradition that not only kicks off the holiday with a burst of energy but also underscores the community spirit of giving and wellness. This year, the 2024 Silicon Valley Turkey Trot, held on November 28, continues to be America's largest Thanksgiving Day race, attracting thousands of participants eager to run or walk through the heart of Silicon Valley.

Event Overview:

• Date: Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024.
• Location: Downtown San Jose, starting at Santa Clara Street and 1st Street.
• Distances: Participants can choose between a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, or join in on the fun with the Kids Fun Run for those aged 2-7.

Highlights of the Trot:

• Community Engagement: The Turkey Trot isn't just about the race; it's a community event where local residents, families, and friends gather to celebrate the start of Thanksgiving. The event fosters a sense of togetherness, with many dressing up in turkey costumes or festive Thanksgiving attire, adding a playful vibe to the proceedings.
• Charitable Impact: One of the standout features of the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is its commitment to charity. All proceeds from the race benefit local organizations like Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, The Health Trust, Healthier Kids Foundation, and Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. This year marks the 20th anniversary, where the Trot has significantly contributed to these causes, improving lives by providing food, clothing, shelter, and education.
• Course and Experience: The course through downtown San Jose is both flat and fast, ideal for runners looking to set a personal best or for those who prefer a leisurely walk. The route takes participants through diverse neighborhoods, showcasing the city's vibrant urban landscape and historic areas like Japantown and The Alameda.
• Post-Race Festivities: After crossing the finish line, runners and walkers are greeted with a festival atmosphere. This includes a costume contest, post-race snacks, live entertainment, and an awards ceremony for top finishers. The event also provides a swag bag to participants, which includes a long-sleeve tech shirt, a finisher medal, and a reusable water bottle.
• Inclusivity: The Turkey Trot is inclusive to all fitness levels. Whether you're an elite runner or someone who enjoys a brisk walk, there's a place for you. The Kids Fun Run adds an element of fun and encourages the younger generation to participate in healthy, community-based activities.

The last day to register is tomorrow, November 28th, at 8:30am. If you're interested and still haven't gotten your tickets, head over here! 

Eos & Nyx is now open!

The most highly anticipated restaurant in Downtown San Jose for 2024 is now open. Eos & Nyx is the new flagship venue from the proprietors of Original Gravity, Still OG, Alter Ego, Miniboss, and Paper Plane. It takes up 4,000 SQFT across two stories in what used to be the Camera 12 building in Downtown San Jose, and the restaurant looks stunning. It is part of the Paseo Project also brough us Urban Putt earlier this year. This project is quickly transforming this part of Downtown San Jose in the best way possible.

The vibe is described as chic and sophisticated. It looks like careful attention has been provided to every detail. The restaurant has 20-foot-high ceilings, indoor trees, and custom furniture. There is even a lit conveyor belt of spirits. I'm not entirely sure how the conveyor belt will work but I can't wait to find out.

The menu is upscale Mediterranean with influences from many different cultures. Some of the dinner items include prawns in a Moroccan tagine stew, octopus, kofta beef & lamb meatballs, pappardelle duck, tagliatelle lobster with beurre blanc sauce and caviar, bone in pork chops, and lamb chops. The cocktails are going to be the high-end craft variety they are known for at their other establishments.

Hours are Tues-Wed from 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat from 10am-2pm and 5pm-10pm, and Sunday (brunch) from 9am-3pm. These will likely be expanded after the soft opening period.

You can find Eos & Nyx conveniently located at 201 S. Second Street. It's impossible to miss as you drive or take a Light Rail down second.

Source: SiliconValley.com

The San Antonio Festival

The inaugural San Antonio Festival takes places today from 10am to 5pm on Paseo de San Antonio between 1st and 2nd Street in Downtown San Jose. This is a key corridor that connects San Jose State University to the central core Downtown.

This family friendly event will feature a local pop-up market in collaboration with Moment, community workshops, entrepreneurial resources, live performances, and immersive art experiences. For more info head over here.

Thanksgiving Feast at Scott's Ballroom in Downtown San Jose

Thanksgiving is just a week away. If you don't feel like cooking this year, Scott's Seafood is doing a Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner Buffet in a ballroom overlooking Downtown San Jose. It'll feature all of the classics plus prime rib and shellfish. You can make reservations on OpenTable.