As an added bonus, here is another San Jose Inside article about developers staying bullish on Downtown San Jose. Even with COVID19, many large-scale residential and office projects are still moving forward. Perhaps 2021 will be our year.
Monday, August 31, 2020
Downtown San Jose mini-boom
San Jose Inside has an uplifting article about how Team San Jose rallied together 14 hotel owners to provide discounted rooms for fire victims and evacuees. These visitors are in return giving back to the local community. Despite the questionable air quality, restaurants along San Pedro and San Fernando Streets have been booming--giving a ray of hope to San Jose restaurateurs. Read the article over here.
As an added bonus, here is another San Jose Inside article about developers staying bullish on Downtown San Jose. Even with COVID19, many large-scale residential and office projects are still moving forward. Perhaps 2021 will be our year.
As an added bonus, here is another San Jose Inside article about developers staying bullish on Downtown San Jose. Even with COVID19, many large-scale residential and office projects are still moving forward. Perhaps 2021 will be our year.
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Valley Fair Open-Air Market
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Valley Fair has been closed for months, so they have gotten creative and launched an outdoor pop-up to allow some of it's tenants to continue operations. If you find it ironic that people are shopping in tents right in front of Valley Fair's shiny new (and deserted) $1.1 billion expansion, you're not the only one.
The outdoor market is open from 1pm to 7pm from Friday to Sunday in the Outdoor Plaza and North Valet Lot. Below are the list of participating retailers and eateries. The department stores are now fully open as well (masks required of course).
PARTICIPATING RETAILERS
Source: San Jose Inside
The outdoor market is open from 1pm to 7pm from Friday to Sunday in the Outdoor Plaza and North Valet Lot. Below are the list of participating retailers and eateries. The department stores are now fully open as well (masks required of course).
PARTICIPATING RETAILERS
- Athleta (Thursdays & Fridays only + the weekend of 8/21)
- California Pizza Kitchen: outdoor dining on their patio, adjacent to Forest Avenue (open 7 days a week)
- Champs Sports
- The Waffle Roost Food Truck (@thewaffleroost | Saturday's only from 12 - 3:30)
- Coach
- Cotton On
- Cotton On Kids
- David Yuman
- Din Tai Fung: outdoor dining on their pop-up patio, adjacent to Forest Avenue (open 7 days a week)
- Foot Locker
- Fresh Society
- Haagen Dazs (open 7 days a week in the North Valet)
- Hugo Boss
- Johnny Was (only Sat & Sun)
- Kay Jewelers
- Koja Kitchen Bar
- Levi's
- Lovesac
- MCM
- Mex Cal Taco Truck
- Pac Sun
- Pottery Barn
- Quay Australia
- Rabbit Rabbit Tea
- Salt & Straw (open 7 days a week on the plaza)
- Shoe Palace
- Talbots
- UNTUCKit (open 7 days a week on the plaza)
- Young Art Lessons
- Zales
- Zumiez
Source: San Jose Inside
Monday, August 24, 2020
Japantown mixed-use development proposal
Downtown San Jose receives most of the attention when it comes to dense high-rise development these days, but there are some interesting proposals outside of the area. For example, there is a new project on the table in Japantown that would include multiple towers on the area bound by Taylor Street, Miller Street, George Street, and North First Street. It would include a 210 foot tall tower with 244 apartments, 61,000 SQFT of office space, 5,560 SQFT of retail, and 731 parking spaces.
The project would also be right in the middle of the North 1st Street Local Transit Village Plan, which will hopefully accommodate thousands of new homes and jobs in the future. Currently the area houses a surface parking lot and a one-story office building. This would be a major upgrade for the area.
If all goes well this could be approved by the City Council later this year or in Q1 of 2021. It would then take at least a couple more years to build.
Source: SVBJ
The project would also be right in the middle of the North 1st Street Local Transit Village Plan, which will hopefully accommodate thousands of new homes and jobs in the future. Currently the area houses a surface parking lot and a one-story office building. This would be a major upgrade for the area.
If all goes well this could be approved by the City Council later this year or in Q1 of 2021. It would then take at least a couple more years to build.
Source: SVBJ
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
A Bowling Alley is coming to Downtown San Jose!
If like me, you're craving new entertainment options amidst the COVID era... we have some good news. Believe it or not, a new bowling alley with cocktails and games is coming to the heart of San Jose on Santa Clara Street. Oh, and it's under construction as we speak!
If you're scratching you're head wondering where this could possibly go, it's being built in the two-story space formerly occupied by AFK Gamer Lounge. It looks like the Bowling Alley with four lanes will be in the basement along with a private dining area and the ground floor will feature vintage arcade games, pinball, pool, and karaoke.
The project is called San Pedro Social and you can learn more over here.
Source: jgordo32 from the San Jose Development Forum
If you're scratching you're head wondering where this could possibly go, it's being built in the two-story space formerly occupied by AFK Gamer Lounge. It looks like the Bowling Alley with four lanes will be in the basement along with a private dining area and the ground floor will feature vintage arcade games, pinball, pool, and karaoke.
The project is called San Pedro Social and you can learn more over here.
Source: jgordo32 from the San Jose Development Forum
Tuesday, August 18, 2020
Kebabery by Meso now open at Santana Row (pickup & delivery only)
Meso has become one of my favorite restaurants at Santana Row. Not only are the food and drinks consistently great, but they have gone above and beyond with their COVID policies. Tables are spaced out 15 feet apart across the beautiful plaza at the end of the Row with plenty of heat lamps (photo below). The ambiance and Mediterranean dining are on point. It feels like a two hour escape from reality where I'm not missing indoor dining one bit.
The owners of Meso have opened a virtual eatery, which means they share the kitchen with Meso and don't have any sit-down options. The food is only available for pickup and delivery. Featured are some of the key signature kebabs from Meso, including Impossible meat and swordfish kebabs, and several delicious sides like sweet potato with spiced honey harissa, hummus with lemon and extra virgin olive oil, and baklava for dessert.
It's a great casual alternative option, especially considering Meso is one of the higher-end options on the Row and it can get pricey.
The virtual restaurant is open every day from 11:30am to 9pm and you can use either DoorDash or UberEats for delivery.
The owners of Meso have opened a virtual eatery, which means they share the kitchen with Meso and don't have any sit-down options. The food is only available for pickup and delivery. Featured are some of the key signature kebabs from Meso, including Impossible meat and swordfish kebabs, and several delicious sides like sweet potato with spiced honey harissa, hummus with lemon and extra virgin olive oil, and baklava for dessert.
It's a great casual alternative option, especially considering Meso is one of the higher-end options on the Row and it can get pricey.
The virtual restaurant is open every day from 11:30am to 9pm and you can use either DoorDash or UberEats for delivery.
Monday, August 17, 2020
Goodbye validation passes, City-owned Downtown parking lots now provide 90 minutes of free parking to all
We all knew that eventually parking fees would return to Downtown San Jose garages. Fortunately there is a new compromise that is a fair solution. The annoying parking vouchers that most people would forget to ask for are now gone. Instead everyone gets 90 minutes of free parking, regardless of where you go Downtown.
I love this idea as it make Downtown competitive with other places in San Jose that offer free parking. Want to check out that new flower shop on Santa Clara Street? No problem, now there is no need to hunt for cheap parking or validation. Just find the closest garage and walk to the store. If you need more time, it's just $1 per $15 minutes with reasonable caps on weeknights and weekends. For example, 2 hours of parking costs $2 and 3 hours is $6. Employees earning less than $20/hour also get a 50% discount on fees.
For more info on the changes, head over here.
I love this idea as it make Downtown competitive with other places in San Jose that offer free parking. Want to check out that new flower shop on Santa Clara Street? No problem, now there is no need to hunt for cheap parking or validation. Just find the closest garage and walk to the store. If you need more time, it's just $1 per $15 minutes with reasonable caps on weeknights and weekends. For example, 2 hours of parking costs $2 and 3 hours is $6. Employees earning less than $20/hour also get a 50% discount on fees.
For more info on the changes, head over here.
Thursday, August 13, 2020
San Jose 2030 Halfway Point Video
David Manzo from San Jose 2030 has been chronicling Downtown San Jose development since 2010 and plans on releasing a 20-year-long video time lapse in 2030. We're now halfway through the project and he release a promo video below. Check out more videos and comments at the San Jose 2030 Facebook page over here!
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
August 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights
The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.
The AUGUST 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
In this edition:
In this edition:
- San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and St. John streets closes for al fresco dining, the first such street closure in the city.
- A new ParkSJ parking plan begins Aug.3. The first 90 minutes are free. The temporary free street parking period due to coronavirus also ends Aug. 3.
- A new survey by Gensler reveals most workers would prefer to go back to the office.
- A three-sided mural goes up on the Third Street parking garage.
- Long-time Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino has some thoughts on downtown's past and future as he leaves his position to head a green energy company.
- SJDA oversees lighting and tree re-planting projects downtown.
- More building acquisitions and new structural designs downtown.
SJDA's meeting Aug. 14 will stream live on Facebook Live starting at 8:15 a.m. To view the meeting, simply go to our Facebook page @sjdowntown. The meeting will include a detailed presentation about SJDA's Stabilization Plan, which identifies what's next for the Downtown Association in the near-term and looking out 2-3 years. More than 1,200 people responded to our survey request, many of which indicating they wanted to hear about the results, so we're expecting a large viewership that day.
We hope you can "attend" from your home or office.
Another way to stay connected to downtown:
The Downtowner Online continues to be sent out on Wednesdays. This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe
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Monday, August 10, 2020
New San Jose Landmark Proposals!
After years of planning, we finally have an opportunity to make an internationally recognized landmark for San Jose! Urban Confluence Silicon Valley has collected hundreds of idea submissions from around the globe for an iconic landmark that incorporates modern technology, history, art, architecture, engineering, and place-making. These came from architects, artists, urban planners, and development enthusiasts from 72 different countries across 6 continents.
The next step is to choose three finalists that will each receive $150,000 to refine and re-develop their concept. After that a single winner will be chosen around April 2021 and fundraising would begin for what could be a $100 million+ project next to the SAP Center on the Arena Green.
I've gone through all 960 submissions, and some are truly epic. Below are images of my personal favorites. I love so many of these, but my vote would go to the Infinity Ring at the end (check out the video). It looks amazing despite the 200ft height restriction, you can walk inside it to cross the river while getting a view of San Jose, and it can do some impressive lighting effects than amplify it's coolness. Which is your favorite?
List of Top Submissions
List of all Submissions
The next step is to choose three finalists that will each receive $150,000 to refine and re-develop their concept. After that a single winner will be chosen around April 2021 and fundraising would begin for what could be a $100 million+ project next to the SAP Center on the Arena Green.
I've gone through all 960 submissions, and some are truly epic. Below are images of my personal favorites. I love so many of these, but my vote would go to the Infinity Ring at the end (check out the video). It looks amazing despite the 200ft height restriction, you can walk inside it to cross the river while getting a view of San Jose, and it can do some impressive lighting effects than amplify it's coolness. Which is your favorite?
List of Top Submissions
List of all Submissions
The Ring
Ode To Nature
The Statue of Innovation
The Bulb
Urban Spiral
The Caterpillar
Super Natural Skypark
San Jose
Kinetic Obelisk
Land Lux
The Guadaloop
The Infinity Ring
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
SJDA's first public meeting since Feb will discuss Downtown stabilization plan
It's been a brutal four and a half months for Downtown San Jose businesses. Multiple restaurants have shut their doors for good and yesterday I heard MUJI will be closing.
The San Jose Downtown Association has a stabilization plan, which they will be discussing next week at their first public board meeting since the start of the year. They surveyed more than 1,200 people and have prepared a presentation to discuss short-term solutions for helping the Downtown business community during the COVID crisis.
The meeting takes place on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 8:15am-9:30am using Facebook live. For more info, click here.
The San Jose Downtown Association has a stabilization plan, which they will be discussing next week at their first public board meeting since the start of the year. They surveyed more than 1,200 people and have prepared a presentation to discuss short-term solutions for helping the Downtown business community during the COVID crisis.
The meeting takes place on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 8:15am-9:30am using Facebook live. For more info, click here.
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Christmas in the Park is going to look vastly different this year
You might be wondering what will happen to one of San Jose's most beloved events this year due to Covid. Fortunately, Christmas in the Park will go on this year. Unfortunately, it will not be in Downtown San Jose for the first time in 40 years.
The current plan is to turn Christmas in the Park into a drive-through holiday experience at History San Jose. Below are a few mock-ups of what the revised event could look like. While it will be different, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It could be a very innovative experience and provide some fresh ideas for 2021. I'm looking forward to it and hope Downtown San Jose still goes all out this year during the holidays.
Source: SVBJ
The current plan is to turn Christmas in the Park into a drive-through holiday experience at History San Jose. Below are a few mock-ups of what the revised event could look like. While it will be different, that's not necessarily a bad thing. It could be a very innovative experience and provide some fresh ideas for 2021. I'm looking forward to it and hope Downtown San Jose still goes all out this year during the holidays.
Source: SVBJ
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
July 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights
The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.
The JULY 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.
In this edition:
In this edition:
- SJDA President Katia McClain reflects on the recent protests over the death of George Floyd and others at the hands of police.
- The City of San Jose's parking program will make some big changes soon -- the beginning of free 90-minute parking for everyone in ParkSJ garages and the end of the Parking Validation program.
- SJDA has been involved in some of the murals going up on plywood, windows and doors around downtown.
- The San Jose Downtown Foundation worked with two other GoFundMe collaborators to provide financial relief for 18 downtown businesses damaged after the protests. More than 200 people from the San Jose community donated to the relief fund. The organizers expressed their feelings about why they wanted to help.
- 10 new Downtown Doors are going up, full of messages, diversity, color and vibrancy -- and expressed by area high school students.
- Plantlush opens amid pandemic and protests along East Santa Clara Street. The owner talks about her extraordinary opening week.
- Welcome SJDA's new Policy and Operations Director, Nathan Ulsh.
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The Downtowner Online continues to be sent out on Wednesdays. This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe
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Monday, July 27, 2020
San Pedro Street is blocked to expand outdoor dining capacity
The Downtown San Jose is finding creative ways to survive during these tough times. The latest initiative is fully closing down San Pedro Street between Santa Clara and Saint John and allowing restaurants to expand their outdoor seating onto the street itself. Farmers Union, O'Flaherty's, The Old Spaghetti Factory, District, Sushi Confidential, and the Old Wagon are some of the restaurants taking advantage of this.
I had a great dinner at District last Friday and it felt almost like pre-covid times (except for the masks and the menu being on your phone of course).
San Pedro Street has been shut down before for special events like Super Bowl 50, but it has never been used like this before. The plan is to keep the street closed until September, but I hope it actually becomes permanent. This is arguably the liveliest street in Downtown San Jose and expanding the usable space makes it both safer for pedestrians and more interesting to walk through or visit. It also would open the potential of adding more retail along the garage next to MOMENT or even cafes and pop-ups in the middle of the street.
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Miro Tower Photos
Fortunately not all major construction projects are stalled due to the Coronavirus. Miro continues to make great progress in Downtown San Jose and both towers are almost at full height (nearly 30 stories). Below are a couple photos taken from SJSU by gillynova.
Despite everything our skyline is evolving and there is still much excitement around Downtown San Jose in the developer community.
Source: gillynova from the San Jose Development Forum
Despite everything our skyline is evolving and there is still much excitement around Downtown San Jose in the developer community.
Source: gillynova from the San Jose Development Forum
Monday, July 20, 2020
Affordable housing project proposed for Guitar Showcase site
A developer would like to relocate the Guitar Showcase store at 3090 S. Bascom Avenue, raze the building, and construct a six-story residential building in its place. The project would have 90 apartments and 100% of them would be classified as affordable housing. The plan is to have a mix of one, two, and three bedroom units ranging from 405 SQFT to 975 SQFT. 29 of the units would be reserved for formerly homeless making no more than 30% of our area's median income.
Also included in the project would be 2,200 SQFT of commercial space on the ground floor and 25 parking spaces.
If this project comes to fruition, Guitar Showcase won't be moving very far. There is an available space for them right next door.
Source: SVBJ
Also included in the project would be 2,200 SQFT of commercial space on the ground floor and 25 parking spaces.
If this project comes to fruition, Guitar Showcase won't be moving very far. There is an available space for them right next door.
Source: SVBJ
Monday, July 13, 2020
Free San Jose COVID Testing
I'm back from a short workation to Tahoe. While I didn't do anything crazy like visiting a casino, I plan on getting COVID tested soon and thought I would share the easiest way to do it for anyone interested.
This week, free pop-up COVID-19 tests will be administered at the County of Santa Clara service Center Auditorium (1555 Berger Road, San Jose) and Independence High School, C Commons (617 N. Jackson Avenue, San Jose).
I have done the pop-up tests twice now, and it is extremely easy to do. The new method is completely painless--they do not shove the q-tip all the way up your nose as they did with early tests. On a scale of 1-10 with a shot in the arm being an 8, I would put this at a 1 in terms of pain/discomfort, which is to say there isn't any.
They also don't even ask for your insurance, it is completely free and you get the results within a few days. You do not need symptoms, a doctor's note, or proof of residency. Just walk in and get your test. If you show up early it should be a very short wait. The last one I did was towards the end of the day and it took 30 minutes total to wait in line, provide contact info, and get tested. Masks are required the entire time.
Again, the tests are at the County of Santa Clara Service Center Auditorium and Independence High School. The pop-up sites will be open from 10am to 3pm, Tuesday thought Friday. If you are in South San Jose, they will also be doing tests in the South County Annex (9300 Wren Avenue, Gilroy).
Source: San Jose Inside
This week, free pop-up COVID-19 tests will be administered at the County of Santa Clara service Center Auditorium (1555 Berger Road, San Jose) and Independence High School, C Commons (617 N. Jackson Avenue, San Jose).
I have done the pop-up tests twice now, and it is extremely easy to do. The new method is completely painless--they do not shove the q-tip all the way up your nose as they did with early tests. On a scale of 1-10 with a shot in the arm being an 8, I would put this at a 1 in terms of pain/discomfort, which is to say there isn't any.
They also don't even ask for your insurance, it is completely free and you get the results within a few days. You do not need symptoms, a doctor's note, or proof of residency. Just walk in and get your test. If you show up early it should be a very short wait. The last one I did was towards the end of the day and it took 30 minutes total to wait in line, provide contact info, and get tested. Masks are required the entire time.
Again, the tests are at the County of Santa Clara Service Center Auditorium and Independence High School. The pop-up sites will be open from 10am to 3pm, Tuesday thought Friday. If you are in South San Jose, they will also be doing tests in the South County Annex (9300 Wren Avenue, Gilroy).
Source: San Jose Inside
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Transportation Innovation
San Jose Spotlight has a great article discussing how we can solve for our future transportation issues. Eventually traffic will return, in fact this past week I did hit a few spots on 101 that reminded me of the good old pre-covid days. We have BART now, which is fantastic, but going forward we should be looking at faster and cheaper solutions.
In fact, there is a grade separated, point-to-point solution that exists today. The Boring Company Loop. Tunnels can be built at $10 million per mile versus $1 billion per mile for a traditional subway, and autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles can transport you from a station to any other station in the network at up to 150 miles per hour. It sounds too good to be true, but so did electric cars that are affordable and fun to drive and reusable rockets that can land themselves. Also, the Boring Company already has two projects in the works. There is a functional test track in LA that goes from SpaceX headquarters to a residential backyard (no joke) and a Loop in Las Vegas that will connect the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Strip, and the airport.
It's a killer suggestion that would help bring our transportation into the future (it is 2020 after all) while improving safety, convenience, and cost-per-mile. Check out Norman Kline's article over here.
Source: San Jose Spotlight
In fact, there is a grade separated, point-to-point solution that exists today. The Boring Company Loop. Tunnels can be built at $10 million per mile versus $1 billion per mile for a traditional subway, and autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles can transport you from a station to any other station in the network at up to 150 miles per hour. It sounds too good to be true, but so did electric cars that are affordable and fun to drive and reusable rockets that can land themselves. Also, the Boring Company already has two projects in the works. There is a functional test track in LA that goes from SpaceX headquarters to a residential backyard (no joke) and a Loop in Las Vegas that will connect the Las Vegas Convention Center, the Strip, and the airport.
It's a killer suggestion that would help bring our transportation into the future (it is 2020 after all) while improving safety, convenience, and cost-per-mile. Check out Norman Kline's article over here.
Source: San Jose Spotlight
Monday, June 29, 2020
Urban Catalyst proposes a residential mid-rise by Diridon
Urban Catalyst does not seem to be slowing down one bit when it comes to new development proposals. Their latest endeavor is Madera @ Downtown West, a 157-unit apartment complex near where Google plans to build their San Jose megacampus of up to 8 million SQFT.
Madera will have 49 studios, 14 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom, 26 three-bedroom, and 54 four-bedroom apartments. I'm happy to see a large number of studios and 3-4 bedroom units as theses are rare products in the San Jose apartment and condo markets. In fact, I'm quite shocked at there being 54 four-bedroom apartments as there are typically only a couple of these in each Downtown San Jose high-rise building and they are extremely expensive penthouses. This building might actually be family-friendly.
While it is only eight-stories, it is located in a medium density area that still has a large number of single family homes. This will certainly be an upgrade for the block, especially with ground-floor retail. The project is bound by 486-498 W. San Carlos St. and 332-338 Josefa St and it will replace a few small commercial buildings and a vacant house.
Construction could start as early as July 2021 and take two years to complete.
Source: SVBJ
Madera will have 49 studios, 14 one-bedroom, 14 two-bedroom, 26 three-bedroom, and 54 four-bedroom apartments. I'm happy to see a large number of studios and 3-4 bedroom units as theses are rare products in the San Jose apartment and condo markets. In fact, I'm quite shocked at there being 54 four-bedroom apartments as there are typically only a couple of these in each Downtown San Jose high-rise building and they are extremely expensive penthouses. This building might actually be family-friendly.
While it is only eight-stories, it is located in a medium density area that still has a large number of single family homes. This will certainly be an upgrade for the block, especially with ground-floor retail. The project is bound by 486-498 W. San Carlos St. and 332-338 Josefa St and it will replace a few small commercial buildings and a vacant house.
Construction could start as early as July 2021 and take two years to complete.
Source: SVBJ
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Downtown refreshed with 10 new student art works
Coronavirus epidemics halts program – but not before receiving 75 submissions
SAN JOSE – San Jose Downtown Foundation art selection committee has chosen 10 new Downtown Doors from 98 art works submitted by area high school students before COVID-19 sent students and teachers home to study for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.
The 10 doors will freshen the downtown as businesses reopen and some employees return to work. Like the judging session, a virtual reception took place over Zoom Thursday, June 18.
“As businesses begin to recover from the COVID-19 virus, we want downtown looking vibrant with art,” said Ramona Snyder, SJDF board president. “With funding already secured from the City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs, SVCreates and private donors such as Comerica Bank and Ernest and Irene Pestana Chari, we’re moving forward with half of the Downtown Doors program for this fiscal year and plans to proceed with the program when teachers and students are working together again.”
In its 17th year, the number of Downtown Doors in the city’s center has reached 302. Downtown Doors occupies 110 sites located mostly on busy pedestrian rotes through the downtown core. Student artworks are digitized onto vinyl coatings that are attached in their full colorful splendor to service doors and utility boxes throughout downtown.
“Downtown Doors provides young artists the opportunity to publicly express themselves,” Snyder added. “Students of all ethnicities and demographics have been posting their messages of change and hope downtown for 16 years now.”
In past years, Downtown Doors art works have paid tribute to strong women and the courageousness of parent and grandparent immigrants. Several selections this year – submitted in January and February before pandemic or the call for racial change -- are self-expressions.
“As always, the art selected is amazing,” said Jessica Vuong, program coordinator. “I can’t wait to see what comes next.”
Program donors and sponsors include: City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs; Adobe, Comerica Charitable Foundation; Ernest and Irene Pestana Charitable Foundation; and SVCreates, and Councilmember Johnny Khamis.
Site hosts for the 2020 art work includes: 50 West, San Jose State University/Hammer Theatre Center; City of San Jose, Il Fornaio/Westin St. Claire; Fairmont San Jose; and The Studio Climbing Gym.
Art selection Committee: James Morgan of SJSU; Jeannine Flores, Santa Clara County Office of Education; Jeff Bordona, San Jose Museum of Art; Michael Ogilvie, San Jose Director of Public Art; Charlie McCollum, SJDF Trustee; and the Board of Trustees and Downtown Association staff which selected the 10th door today.
The Downtown Doors Class of 2020 includes:
Monday, June 22, 2020
Mezcal makes the best out of a difficult situation
Mezcal, a minority-owned restaurant, can't seem to catch a break. They were already struggling to survive like many restaurants in a post-covid world. Then they were burglarized not once, but twice. The Oaxacan restaurant could have called it quits, but instead they turned their boarded up windows into some of the coolest murals Downtown. The murals were done by local artists from Local Color, a women-led San Jose nonprofit.
The restaurant is now open for outdoor dining and features an assortment of Oaxacan mole sauces and many new items like grilled octopus, a black mole tamale, a ribeye, and a salmon burger. If you're feeling adventurous you can even try grasshoppers (which are surprisingly delicious by the way).
Mezcal is open from noon to 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday, at 25 W San Fernando St.
Source: SVBJ
The restaurant is now open for outdoor dining and features an assortment of Oaxacan mole sauces and many new items like grilled octopus, a black mole tamale, a ribeye, and a salmon burger. If you're feeling adventurous you can even try grasshoppers (which are surprisingly delicious by the way).
Mezcal is open from noon to 8pm, Tuesday through Sunday, at 25 W San Fernando St.
Source: SVBJ
Wednesday, June 17, 2020
Berryessa BART Station
After many years of effort, BART trains are finally flowing in and out of San Jose! Gillynova from the San Jose Development Forum has captured some nice drone video shots of the new station. Check out the short video below for a sneak peak of Berryessa Station.
Monday, June 15, 2020
31-story tower proposed in SoFA
A developer is seeking to build a 358-unit residential tower in Downtown San Jose's artsy SoFA District with a unique twist... the entire tower would be affordable housing. This would be one of the largest affordable housing projects in the Bay Area and would add a significant amount of food traffic Downtown.
The tower would have 190 studio units, 84 one-bedrooms, 28 two-bedrooms, and 56 three-bedroom unites. There would also be a three-story parking structure with 96 parking spaces. That is a surprising number of both studios and three-bedroom units, which are the two unit types that are in shortest supply for residential high-rises Downtown.
It is also worth mentioning that this would be the largest number of stories for any building in San Jose, either built or proposed. Even with low ceilings typical of affordable housing projects, this would likely be the first building in San Jose over 300 feet tall. It will be interesting to see what other details will be uncovered as this project moves forward.
Source: SVBJ
The tower would have 190 studio units, 84 one-bedrooms, 28 two-bedrooms, and 56 three-bedroom unites. There would also be a three-story parking structure with 96 parking spaces. That is a surprising number of both studios and three-bedroom units, which are the two unit types that are in shortest supply for residential high-rises Downtown.
It is also worth mentioning that this would be the largest number of stories for any building in San Jose, either built or proposed. Even with low ceilings typical of affordable housing projects, this would likely be the first building in San Jose over 300 feet tall. It will be interesting to see what other details will be uncovered as this project moves forward.
Source: SVBJ
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
Unique view of San Jose
Last weekend, cardinal2007 from the San Jose Development Forum took a striking photo of San Jose from Sierra Vista. This is an open space preserve on the northeastern border of San Jose. It's quite a rare sight to see both cattle and Downtown San Jose in the same frame.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
June 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights
The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.
The JUNE 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available.
In this edition:
In this edition:
- Downtown businesses are ready to serve their customers in new ways. When and how questions remain unanswered for now, the Covid-19 danger still exists, and businesses get creative.
- The virus definitely had an impact on this year's survey of Property-Based Improvement District.
- Farmers' Markets are considered essential businesses, so we're opening our Friday market at San Pedro Square each Friday starting June 5. We have a list of changes to keep everyone safe and healthy at the market.
- Downtown builders are back to work on a number of downtown projects, with one significant exception.
- St. James Park and CityView Plaza projects progress.
- Paper Moon Coffee and Scott's Seafood open.
- And congratulations to the team at Paper Plane, ranked among the national bartending leaders.
The Downtowner Online continues to be sent out on Wednesdays. This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe
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