April 2010 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Here are my notes from the latest edition of Downtown Dimension:

• New initiatives for attracting and retaining businesses downtown was approved on Mar 16th. This includes suspending business license taxes and free parking.
• The San Jose Rotary Club is attempting to raise $1.5m to create a unique playground for all children--inclusive to those with disabilities--in the Guadalupe River Park.  This will include "touch-sensitive features and flora full of aromas." They are hoping to open the park in the club's 100th year of operations between March 2013 and 2014. (I wish them the best of luck, sounds like a great idea and a way to bring more activity to our future central park).
• The 3rd Downtown San Jose open house attracted 150 potential buyers and 4 new sales.
• Broadway San Jose is gearing up for their second season and is expanding from 5 shows to 7:
• Burn the Floor - Sep 21-26
• Rain, a tribute to the Beatles - Oct 26-31
• The Color Purple - Nov 23-28
• Grease - Jan 18-23 (2011)
• Fiddler on the Roof - Mar 15-20 (2011)
• Stomp - Apr 12-17 (2011)
• Mamma Mia - Jun 7-12 (2011) 
• Letcher Garage (later Oasis Nightclub) has been demolished to make way for 2 future high-rise buildings.
• Groundwerx ambassadors are helping to make downtown a safer place by checking garages for people loitering. Also if you don't want to walk alone to your car at night, you can call Groundwerx at 287-1520 and they will presumably walk with you.
• Irish Innovation Center opens at the corner of North Almaden and Santa Clara St.!  (I also have an exclusive scoop on the restaurant going on the ground floor of that building, more on that later this week).
• The Art Glass Center of San Jose (a key First Friday participant BTW) has expanded into its neighboring space, allowing for: an expanded fine art gallery, torch-working area, video learning area, and a new space for an artist-in-residence program.
• Overland Storage is moving from Milpitas to a 21,000sqft space on 125 S. Market.
• Deloitte signed a new 10 year lease, keeping 900 employees downtown.

To read the full newsletter, click here!

Latest San Pedro Square Market Render!

I have a special Easter treat for everyone, the latest render of the San Pedro Square Market! I think it looks stunning. Take a close look at greatly expanded sidewalk (Barefoot Coffee will be right below that San Pedro Square Market sign) and the LED-wrapped trees. Please click the image to enlarge and get the full effect!

Happy Easter!

Saturday Stats - Hey, Big Spender

I'd like to start a new weekly feature on interesting statistics related to San Jose. Last week I received a tip about a really slick site called Bundle (www.bundle.com) that aggregates all sorts of financial data across US cities. This site's a goldmine of useful information--especially related to us.

The first stat to analyze... San Jose has the 3rd highest consumer spending in the United States with an average annual household spending of $59,022 in 2009. This spending EXCLUDES rent and mortgage payments. This means that despite having some of the highest housing costs in the US, we still get the bronze medal for spending cash.

Let's put this in perspective:

• San Jose (#3) - $59,022
• San Francisco (#19) - $45,291
• Los Angeles (#42) - $39,422
• New York City (#53) - $37,435
• Detroit (#Last) - $16,397
• US Average - $37,782
  

In all fairness if New York City consisted of only Manhattan, it would beat out San Jose by a hair with spending of $59,602. Even then, it's pretty impressive to think of our spending as on par with Manhattan. For more information on spending, read Bundle's press release. Also if you know any other good statistics regarding San Jose, please post in the comments and I'll use them in future weeks!

South First Friday Tonight, Rain or Shine

I'll never get tired of promoting this event. Nothing like a free evening of perusing art at over a dozen different locations to brighten up a day of mediocre weather. For the full lineup of what's happening tonight, hit this link.

Friday Flowers - Part 1

In honor of Spring, I thought I would do a weekly post about flowers during the month of April. Why flowers you may ask? Recently my wife was contracted to photograph Kathy Finley's work at Santana Row. Kathy is the person responsible for just about all of the phenomenal floral landscaping at SR and has even begun doing work in Downtown San Jose (good choice Groundwerx, very good choice). If you know anyone that needs a floral architect, her contact information is below. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the flowers.

Kathy Finley
Finley Landscape Design
(925) 785-5501
kathy@finleylandscape.com

BREAKING: San Jose changes it's name BACK to El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe

Today a shocking announcement was made that will forever change the face (and name) of our city. To honor our heritage, city hall has decided to change the official name of the city back to what it was in 1777 when we were first founded: El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe.

In light of today's news, we will be changing the name of this Blog to the El Pueblo de San José de Guadalupe Blog.

New Eclectic Restaurant Near Santana Row

Looks like a new restaurant called Kãama is coming to the former site of Fuel at 385 S. Winchester, right across the street from Santana Row. Below is a brief from Kãama's website. I'm definitely looking forward to trying it out, especially given the Chef's track record (Bleaux Magnolia in Napa).

Thanks to Tweservation for the tip!

*******

The Kãama Lounge
San Jose is about to discover a tasty treat, Kãama Lounge and Supper Club. This intimate setting is dedicated to the Goddess of Pleasure, Pleasure in Food, Pleasure in Drink and most importantly the Pleasure of good times and great company.

Kãama’s award winning Chef from Napa Valley “Matt Mermod” has transplanted to Kãama and his set sights on the Reinvention of “The Menu” it is not often you can truly say you are creating something “New” but that is exactly what Matt has accomplished.

Kãama’s menu is a recreation of comfort foods from around the world. Every plate has a tasting of the original and Chef Matt’s masterful reincarnation.

Kãama offers an intimate and playful setting of eastern elegance and design, with layers of comfortable seating that encourages a relaxed atmosphere.

Kãama is a versatile venue across from Santana Row, able to accommodate large private events to romantic parties of two. Let Kãama cater to your personal special event for any occasion.

Cheers
Kãama Lounge