San Pedro Square Market Updates

I have always been bullish on The San Pedro Square Market, even after numerous delays and the loss of a few promising tenants. However, I'm going to make a really bold statement and say not only will the Market be a tremendous success... but it will be the inflection point that will change people's negative perceptions of Downtown San Jose and will likely be one of the most successful markets of it's kind in the US.

Some people are going to cringe when I say this, but it does have a lot of similarities to Santana Row. The attention to detail in the Market is impeccable, from the hummingbirds hanging from the ceiling to the flower selection in the courtyard. It has great open-air dining options, including the incredible courtyard with the Peralta Adobe. There is live music and entertainment. And, it is being progressively elaborated. Santana Row wasn't built in a day, in fact it is still being built. With SR, I always enjoyed going there and discovering what is coming next. There were always new surprises to discover, and now the same is happening with the Market.

Before I get into the updates, let me tell you where The Market and Santana Row are different. 1.) Instead of national anchors and restaurants, every tenant in The Market is a local small business where the owners are incredibly passionate about what they do and are striving to deliver the best possible product possible. SR venues go for consistency, the Market is going for excellence and innovation (can give you examples of innovative concepts from every food vendor). 2.) Price. The Market has the best value proposition imaginable for dinner. Pay "lunch" prices all day long, mix and match foods from vendors, no reservations needed, and it's both kid and adult friendly (three bars by summer).  3.) History. There is actual historical value in the venue itself. It is more than retail in a box. The Market will actually help preserve some San Jose history and make it more accessible to the public.

Okay, now for the good stuff.  Here are the updates since the last time I posted about the Market:

• On a Roll is now open right at the front of the Market. They serve Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle plates, spring rolls, tofu, and several other items. I've tried it already... the noodle plate with the pork is fantastic. Great addition!
• New seating has been added outside the Market and adjacent to On a Roll.
• The Crepe place (Crepe-Paris) is about 2 weeks away from opening. They'll have both savory and sweet crepes and be right between Vino Vino and On a Roll.  Also, they will likely stay open late to provide food for the post 10pm bar crowd.
• A new awning has been added in the courtyard, as well as some new festoon lighting.
• A new sign has been added for Blush, which also looks like it's getting a roll-up door on the side of the building.
• Building #2 (Lusardi) is 4-6 weeks away from opening. Unlike Building #1 (El Dorado), it's likely going to open mostly full with the following vendors:
• Treatbot Karaoke Ice Cream Truck
• Veggiebox - fresh, local veggies and prepared dishes
• Blush - Sushi, oysters, and a really unique bar
• Showroom - Boutique apparel, including I<3SJ shirts
• Ay Dios Mio - Mexican  
• The Little Cheese Shop - Cheese, Charcuterie, and Gourmet Foods
• San Pedro Square Seafood
• Loteria Taco Bar will be coming to the original building later this year.
• New Saturday San Pedro Farmers Market which will wrap around the Market and kick off April 7th!

GeneWeave Biosciences Raises Initial $12M

Another non-greentech company in San Jose is picking up funding, GeneWeave Biosciences. They're grabbing $12M in their first round (Series A) to develop molecular diagnostic technology that detects life-threatening pathogens. Brand new companies like this one getting substantial amounts of funding is a great sign for the entrepreneurial community in San Jose.

If you're a molecular biologist, assay development scientist (?), instrumental development engineer, or quality manager... they are also hiring.

Source: SJBJ

Wednesday Wishlist: North San Pedro Ballpark

Today's Wednesday Wishlist comes courtesy of one of our readers, Anthony Dominguez. I think he makes some valid points and I'm sure we can all agree that the closer the ballpark is to the downtown core, the better. I'm sure we'll have a lot of discussion on this one, so as always post your feedback in the chat =).

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Back in March of 2009, Rhamesis Muncada (aka Marinelayer at the A's new ballpark blog) stated to readers that the current Diridon Site might not be the only one considered for a future A's ballpark.  Talk about a teaser!  At the time many of us simply stated "huh?" and threw out all the usual suspects in terms of past sites considered, i.e. the Fairgrounds, Airport West/FMC, and Berryessa.  I theorized that another possible site for the ballpark could be North San Pedro/Brandenburg (NSP)...and guess what, I was right!

In many ways Josh, NSP would be superior for an A's ballpark than the current choice of Diridon for the following reasons:

1) More foot traffic for San Pedro Square Market/future housing/future retail developments from core downtown parking and future Santa Clara Street BART subway portals.

2) A bit further away from the "NIMBY" noise of Shasta/Hanchett Park and Willow Glen.

3) Easier access from 880 via Coleman Avenue and future Autumn Parkway.  In fact, surface parking for the ballpark could be built just northwest of 87 and Bassett St./UPRR tracks. (see the land plot via Google Earth/Maps).

4) Still within a 15 minute walk of Diridon Station and mere minutes from light-rail at St. James Park.

5) Leaves the Diridon Site open to more lucrative housing, office and retail associated with future Diridon Transit Center.

6) Much less traffic conflict with simultaneous events occuring at HP Pavilion; traffic more spread out through the downtown core.

I've also theorized Josh that perhaps in the future, Lew Wolff and the city of San Jose could do a land swap with Barry Swenson Builders.  Swenson could lease NSP to Lew Wolff/A's for the privately financed ballpark IN EXCHANGE for the city of San Jose leasing the Diridon Site to Swenson for his proposed residential development.  Because of the flight path of SJC, I've always felt that NSP (itself part of the downtown core) would be more conducive for a noise generating sports venue, while Diridon (with it's transit connectivity) more conducive for housing/office/retail.

Why do I feel the parties should consider a site change, considering all the work that's gone into planning for Diridon?  One reason is that Lew Wolff recently stated a ballpark in San Jose wouldn't open now until 2016 at the earliest, a full four years away.  There would still be time to conduct a full (or supplemental) EIR for a NSP ballpark.  Groundbreaking for the ballpark doesn't have to occur until the Spring of 2014 under the new scenario.  Save for a few old buildings, NSP is also clear and ready for construction as well.

Another reason concerns NIMBYS.  Again, NSP is more "downtown core" in flavor, and perhaps residents of nearby condos would welcome a ballpark in their backyard.  I recall some Newballpark commenters (who lived in that area of downtown) stating they would love to have a ballpark at NSP (see increased property values!).  We are already hearing grumblings from the Shasta Hancett/Rose Garden crowd about the possible noise and lights of a Diridon Ballpark.  In my opinion a NSP ballpark would make things much easier for the A's and city in this regard.

Lastly, the referendum issue.  No public vote would be necessary under the scenario of NSP because Lew Wolff/The A's would be dealing with a private land owner in Barry Swenson.  This would cease being an "issue" of the city of San Jose buying land for Lew Wolff and his millionaire sports team.  I also think opposition would die down due to the ballpark now being in the downtown core and away from nearby neighborhoods.

I've included a photoshop illustration (courtesy of Marinelayer) to give you an idea of how a ballpark would fit in at NSP.  In fact, if you "reversed" current images of the proposed Cisco Field it would fit in perfectly at NSP.

Anthony Dominguez (Tony D.)

P.S. One more item on my fantasy North San Pedro ballpark: I would incorporate the "James Square" building, located at the NW corner of Devine and N. Market Streets, into the ballpark site. James Square could be renovated much like the older buildings of the San Pedro Square Market and act as the SE gate/entrance to the ballpark. The building itself could house shops, restaurants/concessions and perhaps have a rooftop terrace for dining/beverage consumption.

Introducing Green Energy Match (GEM)

The City of San Jose and the Silicon Valley Energy Watch are sponsoring a new program that rewards you for saving you your energy bill. For all of the info, just read the blurb below.

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Save money.  Save energy.  Shop Local.

GEM  is a program sponsored by the City of San José that rewards residents for saving energy at home with coupons from local merchants. The program is a win-win-win as it helps residents save money, offers merchants free advertising and exposure, and strengthens local shopping districts and communities.

GEM is available in three pilot neighborhoods:  Hillview, Evergreen and Willow Glen.  The coupons, 70%-off from participating local merchants, are awarded monthly based on the energy savings shown on PG&E bills.

Go to  http://www.wattzon.com/learning/article/introducing-green-energy-match-gem to sign up.

Interested merchants should call 650-948-2004.

GEM also provides community grants of $500 to local groups.  Please call 650-948-2004to learn more.

GEM is sponsored by the city of San Jose' and Silicon Valley Energy Watch.  The program is administered by WattzOn, a Santa Clara County energy efficiency company.

Meridian Mixed Use Project

Let's start the week off right with some positive development news. The Meridian Mixed Use project has scored $8M of funding to move the project forward. We're looking at 218 apartments and over 14,000sqft of retail located in Midtown on San Carlos Street. Based on one of the images below, it looks like they are planning to have 8 retail spaces, including a restaurant... all with a pedestrian orientation (versus suburban). This is a $60M project and ground breaking is expected in July.

I think one day we'll see a high density connection all along San Carlos between Downtown and Uptown San Jose (Santana Row/Valley Fair). This isn't the only project in the area breaking ground soon. The $250M Ohlone project with 14 story buildings, 800 residential units, and 30,000 sqft of retail is ALSO happening soon.

Thanks to Gavin for the tip.

Meridian Mixed Use Project

The Ohlone

Enter Music Publishing Grooves Forward With The 17th Annual Drummies Voting Now Open Till May 1

San Jose, Calif. — It’s exciting, respected, a bit controversial yet fun. That’s right, it’s Drummies time! Comprised of more than 40 categories, Enter Music Publishing’s annual awards/poll officially opens March 10 in the artist and gear categories. Drummers and drumming fans can cast their votes at www.drummagazine.com/drummies.

 

Great Expectations: Diverse Drum Categories

 

Like last year, Enter Music Publishing expects very strong voting returns. In 2011 approximately 7,300 drummers participated in the Drummies, which comprise 42 categories, from “Best Drummer” to “Most Popular Cymbal.” “This year’s Drummies are probably going to be the biggest yet,” noted Andy Doerschuk, editorial director and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “As with last year, we have such diverse drumming categories like jazz, hip-hop, blues, rock, pop, and others for drum set and hand percussion."

 

“The Drummies is the coolest event each year because it honors outstanding artists,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “Last year’s voting was a big success and this year promises to be even bigger.”

 

Key Percussive Points

To clarify for Drummies newcomers, there are certain rules that relate to voting. Enter Music Publishing likes to make the voting process fun and be thorough about all issues related to the voting process such as:

1. You can only vote once.
2. Voting is open to any drummer — you don’t have to be a subscriber to the magazine or work in the industry.
3. You don’t have to vote in all categories.
4. Drummers who have won five or more times in a single category aren’t eligible to win in that category again. But they can win another category.

 

The drummers who have won five or more times and been inducted into the Drummies Hall Of Fame include: Travis Barker (punk), Neil Peart (drummer of the year), ?uestlove (hip-hop), Chad Smith (funk), Josh Freese (studio), Luis Conte (studio percussion), Airto (Jazz percussion), Giovanni Hidalgo (Latin percussion),Joey Jordison (metal), Dave Weckl (jazz/fusion), and Carter Beauford (jam band).

 

Drummer Of The Year: Mike Portnoy Pounds To Victory In 2011

Obviously, the Drummer Of The Year category is one of the most intense. However, Mike Portnoy took top drummer in a landslide victory. “Portnoy proved his significance with authority at the polls,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “It will be very interesting to see what happens and if he can be a repeat winner in this prestigious category.”

 

Who will be “Best Drummer” in 2012? Get down with the Drummies and go vote. Of course, Enter Music Publishing appreciates your participation.

 

Will Stanton Moore Strut As Best Funk Drummer a Second-Line Time?

Stanton Moore has two qualities that make him successful where other New Orleans drummers may not. In addition to his music education, he also has a business degree. Let's face it: Stanton can strut with the best. He won “Best Funk Drummer” last year and is featured on the April 2012 cover of DRUM! Look for it on newsstands beginning next week.

 

About Enter Music Publishing

Founded in San Jose, CA in 1992, Enter Music Publishing, Inc. is a leading publisher of informative and entertaining drum and music-related media, with distribution in 40 countries. DRUM! Magazine is the company’s flagship publication and continues to set the industry standard for editorial quality and innovation. Enter Music Publishing, Inc. also publishes drummagazine.com, a leading drum-related Web site. The company’s mission is to be the best source of drumming news and information in the world.

San Jose State Awarded $73.3M for NASA Study

This is an older story, but I have been meaning to post it for a while. San Jose State received a hefty $73.3M in order to partner with NASA on research projects that will improve both the safety and efficiency of air/space travel. The programs related to the research will be run by SJSU professors, graduate students, and of course NASA scientists. For all the info, just click the source link below or check out the press release over here.

Source: SJBJ

Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market Coming to San Jose

A Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market sounds almost like an oxymoron, but that is exactly what is coming to San Jose later this year. The former Safeway location in Westgate mall will be home to the first Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market in the Bay Area. It's essentially a 38,000sqft grocery-only Wal-Mart. Supposedly, they are also eyeing the former Lunardi's location in Evergreen Village Square for their second store. The Evergreen Village Square space has been vacant far too long, I would be happy with anything in that space.

Source: SJBJ