San Jose Airport - Potential People Mover Route?

There have been talks for quite sometime of building a people mover or personal rapid transit system (PRT) connecting San Jose International Airport to existing and future transportation systems. These would include Light Rail, Caltrain, and even BART.

Today I stumbled upon an image of a potential route around SJC from the smart growth/planning site Cities21. Click on the image to see the full map. This might be a wild dream, but I'll be the first to celebrate if anything close to this actually comes to fruition!

Below is an example of what a PRT system "car" could look like. There are already some PRT systems in place around the world (West Virginia University, London Heathrow Airport, etc.).

The 88 - Observation Terrace (Open to all 88 Residents)

Okay, so maybe you can't afford the $2.75 million penthouse that I posted photos of yesterday. If you want to sit outside and bask in the Silicon Valley skyline while sipping on a glass of wine, you still have a couple of options. Option #1 is above. The 88 is the only residential high-rise to offer ALL residents a shared penthouse-level terrace. Condo owners can go up to the 21st floor and enjoy the view (and possibly that bar in the 3rd photo). Right now they have a bench, but I'm sure they'll be adding some patio furniture as more residents move in.

Oh, I mentioned a couple of options. Option #2 is to join or become friends with a member of the Capital Club (top floor of the Knight Ridder Builder next to the Fairmont). There are 2 massive balconies, a private restaurant, and a bar up there. As far as I know, these are the only two places in downtown San Jose where you can enjoy the view outdoors without purchasing a penthouse.

The 88 - Flagship Penthouse (Oh Baby)

The photos don't do this one justice. This is the largest penthouse unit on the 21st floor and has not one but two balconies, one of which is at least 700sqft.  Inside, you're looking at 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, around 2400sqft, and spectacular views from every window.  

The 88 - Corner Studio

The 88 - Podium, Pool, and Lobby

Views from The 88 - Coming Soon

Last Saturday, I had to chance to explore The 88 (that sexy residential high rise on Market and 2nd St.). Between City Heights, Axis, and The 88, I would have to say the The 88 has the most luxurious feel to it as well as the best location. 360 isn't showing off units in the actual building yet, so it is too early to judge. The soundproofing was impressive. You couldn't hear a single airplane from inside the units (can't say the same about Axis or City Heights). The downside to The 88 is that the condos are on average a bit smaller than the other residential developments downtown. Only 2 out of the nearly 200 condos are 3 bedroom units, and none of them really have a dedicate den area like 360. Most of the units seem to be studios and 1 bedrooms. That being said, one of the model units is a corner studio with a view that will blow you away.

I will be posting photos from my visit to The 88 over the next couple of days. The view from the terrace and penthouses on the 21st floor is priceless. Well, I take that back... the price is around $2.75 million (they do have some penthouses at $1.5, but those are without the balconies).

Downtown San Jose at Night (Click to Enlarge)

Fun In The Park! (Click to Enlarge)