Civic Center's New Exterior Lighting!

As promised yesterday, I have a couple photos of the new lighting system at the San Jose Civic Center. It looks like all of the lighting is using LED technology, meaning the color can be changed to almost anything with ease (as well as being the most energy efficient lighting available). In fact, it looks like different zones of lighting can be changed independently, as one side of the Civic was green and the other was pink. It definitely makes an impression when walking by the Marriott or convention center. I would mind seeing this exact same lighting system used in other buildings throughout downtown (I'm looking at you Tech).

Downtown San Jose "Beautification"

I think we're coming a long way in Downtown San Jose in terms of sprucing the place up. Over the last several weeks I have been noticing flowerpots all over 1st St., 2nd St., and the SoFA district. It's a nice Santana Row-ish element that makes the streets more walkable and aesthetically pleasing. On 1st there are also quite a few flowers handing from streetlights as well as some slick lighting. This is just one of many examples of low cost improvements that can have a high impact on the neighborhood. Well done!

While we're talking about aesthetic improvements... my wife and I walked by the Civic Center today and new lighting system looks incredible. We took some photos, so hopefully I'll get them up tomorrow. This is a good direction for downtown.

Spectacular Dynamic Art Coming to San Jose International Airport

Take a look at this incredibly dynamic artwork from Dan Goods that's set to grace San Jose International Airport in 2010. Called the eCloud, each panel can go from completely transparent based on the weather and wind conditions of airports across the US. I think it serves as an excellent metaphor to Silicon Valley itself, constantly changing and reacting to the various feeds of information culminating here. You can even see a conceptual video of this masterpiece in action.

In other airport news, the "Hands" artwork covering the monolithic parking structure serving The North Concourse and Terminal B is coming along nicely. A quick glance while you're driving down 87 will give you an idea of what's to come... and so far so good.

Even More Photo Walk Photos

Santana Row Parking Structure Now Fully Open

This past weekend I have been able to do something at Santana Row that I have not been able to do for quite some time... easily find parking on a Saturday. Over 800 new parking spaces have opened up in the Winchester Garage, along with 2 very fast new elevators and an express ramp from Winchester Blvd. directly up to the 3rd floor of the structure. They also made some improvements to the flow of traffic on the ground floor, essentially making most of it a one way street. Overall, I'm impressed with the upgrade but if the garage were completely full I can see a huge mess with traffic where the express ramp hits Winchester. I think that would be an ideal place to have a stoplight, making it easier to both get on the express ramp and exit towards Stevens Creek. At the very least, I don't think anyone will be having a hard time finding parking at the Row anytime soon!

More Photo Walk Photos!

Downtown San Jose Photo Walk!

This past weekend was the second annual worldwide photo walk, a great opportunity for photographers to get together and walk around a city snapping photos and sharing techniques. I had the opportunity to attend the downtown San Jose photo walk hosted by Adobe and had an amazing time! I'll be posting photos over the next couple of weeks, but wanted to give you a preview of what's to come.  Here are a handful of photos I took at the River Park Towers (remember you can enlarge any photo by clicking on them):

Maceo Brazilian Steakhouse - Now Open

Despite the harsh economy, all is not doom and gloom in the south bay restaurant scene. In fact, last week a brand new top-tier restaurant opened in downtown San Jose where The Melting Pot used to be.

Maceio is phenomenal. I have been to over 90 restaurants in downtown San Jose, and I would put this on my top 5 list. The food, drinks, service, and ambiance are all exceptional.

The best way to describe Maceio would be a carnivore's candy shop. You'll be treated to over a dozen different meats cut table-side including bacon wrapped fillet mignon, tri-tip marinated in a house sause, top sirloin, lamb, and house made sausages. There is also an extensive side-bar buffet and Brazilian appetizers served to your table (fried bananas and salgadinhas). I would also recommend trying a caiparinha with your meal, a sweet yet potent drink featuring Brazilian rum.

When all is said and done, it's not cheap... but the experience is well worth it. Clear your schedule, come hungry, sit back and enjoy. I'll definitely be going back for seconds.

Maceio Brazilian Steakhouse - 72 South First Street