Spansion is Moving their Headquarters to San Jose

Spansion is a leader in Flash memory-based embedded solutions. Their products drive the development of faster and more energy efficient electronics. Currently they have 450 employees with a home-base in Sunnyvale. Their former 24.5-acre campus is being razed and turned into 250 homes.

Their new global headquarters will be in North San Jose at 1001 Ridder Park (124,000 SQFT) and 1717 Fox Drive (30,000 SQFT). This is yet another big lease to help us get the office market back to capacity in the North San Jose submarket.

Source: SVBJ

Watch the World Cup in Downtown San Jose!

The San Jose Earthquakes and San Jose Downtown Association are going all out for the World Cup this year. They are having a series of ten free outdoor viewing parties that will span from June 14th to July 13th at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez and St. James Park. In addition to watching the game, there will be prizes from the Earthquakes, a preview of the the new stadium, soccer shootouts, food trucks, public art, and live music for the final matches. All of the details are below!

SAN JOSE – The San Jose Earthquakes, City of San Jose and San Jose Downtown Association will produce a series of ten free outdoor viewing parties of World Cup soccer matches from Rio de Janeiro June 14-July 13.

“The World Cup celebrates the most popular sport on the planet.  These local events will bring San Jose’s countless soccer fans together to experience the excitement of the matches in a great, community atmosphere,” said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval.

Watch 20 matches live with fellow countrymen and soccer fans at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Market and San Fernando streets, June 14-17 and St. James Park, Second and St. James streets, June 21-22, July 4-5 and July 12-13.  Top national teams will be featured:

• June 14:  Colombia vs. Greece; Uruguay vs. Costa Rica; England vs. Italy and Ivory Coast vs. Japan, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
• June 15:  Switzerland vs. Ecuador; France vs. Honduras; Argentina vs. Bosnia, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• June 16:  USA vs. Ghana, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 2:30 p.m.
• June 17:  Brazil vs. Mexico, Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 11:30 a.m.
• June 21:  Argentina vs. Iran; Germany vs. Ghana; Nigeria vs. Bosnia, St. James Park, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• June 22:  Belgium vs. Russia; Korea vs. Algeria; USA vs. Portugal, St. James Park, 11:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m.
• July 4 and July 5:  Quarterfinals, St. James Park, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
• July 12:  Finals, St. James Park, 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• July 13:  Finals, St. James Park, 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

 The Earthquakes and Downtown Association plan plenty of activities, including:

• Earthquakes prize wheel with World Cup-themed "club and country" prizes
• Preview of the Earthquakes’ stadium opening in 2015 – see the virtual field view from every seat in the house
• Soccer target shootout and other skill challenges
• Gourmet food trucks and cold beverages
• Participatory public art
• Free Starlight Cinemas outdoor movies at dusk June 14 with “Bend It Like Beckham” and June 22 with “Back to the Future 2”
• Live music preceding and following the final matches July 12-13.

The public viewing will give local fans the opportunity to cheer players from their home team. The Quakes’ Chris Wondolowski will be representing the United States, while Victor Bernardez is expected to start for Honduras.

For program details, visit: sjearthquakes.com/SummerOfSoccer.

For summer events downtown, go to sjdowntown.com/starlight and sjdowntown.com/summer

More Co-Working Space Opening Downtown!

I have a feeling that Downtown San Jose is going to become a mecca for start-ups. Given the infrastructure, low prices, and patent office in Downtown, I wouldn't be too surprised if one day we start giving Palo Alto and Mountain View a run for their money.

Regus has recently announced that they are opening a 10,000 SQFT co-working office space at 99 Almaden designed to accommodate entrepreneurs and startups in Silicon Valley. This will be Downtown's fifth co-working space. The other four are NextSpace, Pacific Business Center, the San Jose Business Center, and the Executive Suites.

On a slightly unrelated note, there are now over 90 creative firms in Downtown San Jose! Here is the list.

Verizon Leasing 130,000 SQFT in North San Jose!

I've seen this terminology being tossed around the media for a while, but I think I'm officially going to start calling North First Street "Renovation Row." Verizon has has leased over 130,000 SQFT in a three-building reno project called THE Campus. This is enough room for about 750 employees, a sizable expansion from the 300-400 staff Verizon has today in Silicon Valley.

Their goal is to harness Silicon Valley's engineering talent in a building that supports modern amenities that tech workers have come to expect (the Googlization of the tech industry). Check out the outdoor fire pit and lounge space below.

The total property consists of about 250,000 SQFT, so there is still some more space to lease at "THE Campus." The way things are going, I have a feeling it will be 100% leased by the end of the year.

Source: The Merc, SVBJ

San Jose's Environmental Innovation Center is Online

San Jose's long-delayed Environmental Innovation Center is now open at 1608 Las Plumas Avenue. This is a $31.4 million project that is owned by the city and leased out to several different organizations.

The nonprofit Prospect Silicon Valley has about 22,000 SQFT, which they are using to showcase innovations that lead to smart, clean, and connected cities. The technology comes from various incubators and they serve as a resource to connect companies, investors, and start-ups interested in green-tech.

Another 15,000 SQFT is taken up by Habitat for Humanity ReStore, which lets both builders and consumers buy donated construction materials. The proceeds go to supporting the mission and work of Habitat for Humanity.

It also houses a Household Hazardous Waste Facility, with will be the only permanent facility of its kind in San Jose. The only other two facilities for Household Hazardous Waste in the county are in Sunnyvale and San Martin.

Lastly, the building itself is a monument to sustainability. If you have a look at the last image below, you can get an idea of the green-tech features that are utilized throughout the project.

Source: SVBJ

Santana Row Summer Events

Free Yoga on Saturdays, presented by Lululemon Athletica
Saturdays, through September 27, 8:30 a.m.
Practice your sun salutations under the sunshine at Park Valencia every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. from May through September. The complimentary classes are held outdoors, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact Lululemon, 408.557.8721.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “All About Animals”
Tuesday, June 10 and every second Tuesday through December, 10 a.m. to noon
The popular kids’ club returns with free entertainment, interactive games, crafts and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children.
Learn all about animals with special guests, featuring Mickaboo Bird Rescue. Enjoy live performances by Andy Z, the San Jose Public Library and Ballet San Jose and participate in activites with Children’s Discover Museum, Let’s Play in Spanish, Club One and more. Take a photo for dad for Father’s Day in Santana Row Park for $10.
Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

Summer Solstice Wine Stroll: a benefit for the Bill Wilson Center
Saturday, June 21, 5 to 7 p.m.
Enjoy wine and food tastings, a signature Santana Row wine glass and exclusive discounts to shops and restaurants, all to benefit the Bill Wilson Center, a nonprofit organization that provides counseling, housing and youth shelter for children, teens and young adults. The evening also includes a wine tasting seminar with ABC-TV’s Spencer Christian and features art by students.
Tickets are $35 and available for purchase at SantanaRow.com or inside of the Concierge Center.

Cars & Croissants
Saturday, June 28, and July 26, 9 a.m. to noon
Continuing on the fourth Saturday of every month through December
Santana Row partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their car and mingle with other enthusiasts. This event is free and open to the public.

Retail Happy Hour
Wednesday, July 2 and every Wednesday in July and August, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Summer gets a bit hotter than usual at Santana Row with the introduction of Retail Happy Hour, an invitation to shoppers to stop in different stores each week for music by DJs, raffles and exclusive discounts. The event is free and open to the public. Each week Santana Row will create a “passport” that lists the participating retail locations. The passport will be available online at SantanaRow.com, through Facebook, inside of participating shops and at the Concierge Center.

Fourth of July Summer Block Party
Friday, July 4, noon to 4 p.m.
An annual Santana Row tradition: enjoy big band entertainment in Park Valencia, stilt walkers and balloon artists. Browse racks of designer clothes at the annual sidewalk sample sale and enjoy exclusive discounts.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “Summertime Party”
Tuesday, July 8, 10 a.m. to noon
Celebrate summer with a Santana Row style party! Enjoy live entertainment from Andy Z, The San Jose Public Library, Let’s Play in Spanish and Ballet San Jose. Enjoy activities with Children’s Discovery Museum, Let’s Play in Spanish, Club One and more. Free face painting, balloon animals and snacks from Happy Baby Brands!
Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

Opera San Jose presents Opera Al Fresco in Park Valencia
Saturday, July 12, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Opera San Jose will present a spectacular al fresco concert of arias and ensembles at Park Valencia.

Santana Row Beer Walk
Wednesday, July 30, 6 to 9 p.m.
Stroll the Row, sample 20-plus beers and enjoy shopping and dining incentives at the second annual Beer Walk! Cool off with a stroll around Santana Row while tasting brews from microbreweries. They’ll be stationed in a restaurant or shop for easy sipping and shopping! Tickets are $30 and available at www.thebeerwalk.com.

Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too: “Just Dance”
Tuesday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m. to noon
Ballet San Jose School presents “Just Dance,” with a special performance and mini dance classes for kids. Enjoy live entertainment from Andy Z, the San Jose Public Library, free face painting, balloon animals and snacks.
Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Park Valencia. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.

#LifeOnTheRow
Twitter Promotion @SantanaRow invites Tweets and Instagram tags
For a Chance to Win Gift Cards to Restaurants at The Row
Santana Row’s Twitter campaign and photo contest continues through the @SantanaRow Twitter handle. The contest invites anyone at Santana Row to Tweet or Instagram photos of a new outfit, haircut, meal, event or artsy shots and then tag it with the hash tag #LifeonTheRow. Every month, Santana Row will post an album on Facebook with all of the photos with the #LifeonTheRow hash tag. The person who took the best or most original photo will win a gift card to a Santana Row restaurant.


About Santana Row

Santana Row, a 647,000 square foot mixed-use development in San Jose, CA, is Silicon Valley’s premier destination for shopping, dining, living and working. Santana Row features over 70 shops, 20 restaurants, a boutique hotel and movie theatre. In addition to the dynamic retail & restaurant collection, Santana Row offers 615 luxury rental homes, 219 privately owned condos and 65,000 square feet of Class A office space. Santana Row is a property of www.federalrealty.com (NYSE:FRT), headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.santanarow.com.


About Federal Realty

Federal Realty Investment Trust is an equity real estate investment trust specializing in the ownership, management, development, and redevelopment of high quality retail assets. Federal Realty's portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) contains approximately 20 million square feet located primarily in strategically selected metropolitan markets in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and California. In addition, the Trust has an ownership interest in approximately 1.0 million square feet of retail space through a joint venture in which the Trust has a 30% interest. Our operating portfolio (excluding joint venture properties) was 95.6% leased to national, regional, and local retailers as of March 31, 2014, with no single tenant accounting for more than approximately 3.3% of annualized base rent. Federal Realty has paid quarterly dividends to its shareholders continuously since its founding in 1962, and has increased its dividend rate for 46 consecutive years, the longest record in the REIT industry. Federal Realty is an S&P MidCap 400 company and its shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol FRT.

Saturday Stats: San Jose is the #1 Best City in the US for Small Biz

Here is one of the best Saturday Stats we could ask for. The San Jose metro has been identified as the best city in the nation for small businesses. This is based on a weighted average that includes annual revenue, credit scores, cash flow, and several other metrics. There is also a great quote from the article: "San Jose remains the center of innovation and new business job creation in the U.S."

Well there you have it. San Francisco came in 5th place with New York taking 7th. Detroit did surprisingly well thanks to the rebound of the auto industry and low costs of doing business.

This isn't the first time San Jose has been highly ranked in this area. Last year Nerd Wallet ranked San Jose as the #6 best city in the US for small business.

The Top 25 Cities for Small Business in 2014

1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
2. Detroit-Dearborn, MI
3. Denver, CO
4. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
5. San Francisco-Oakland, CA
6. Las Vegas, NV
7. New York metro area
8. Atlanta, GA
9. Washington, DC metro area
10. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL
11. Riverside-San Bernardino, CA
12. Tampa-St. Petersburg, FL
13. Sacramento, CA
14. Indianapolis, IN
15. Houston, TX
16. Chicago, IL
17. Portland, OR
18. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
19. Phoenix-Scottsdale, AZ
20. Charlotte, NC
21. San Antonio, TX
22. Seattle-Tacoma, WA
23. Jacksonville, FL
24. Philadelphia, PA
25. Orlando-Kissimmee, FL

Source: Biz2Credit

Starlight Cinemas Start Next Week!

Several films will be screening outdoors this summer, taking advantage of San Jose's awesome weather. Bend it Like Beckham will kick off the "Starlight Cinemas" program, which will follow a World Cup Game viewing in the same location. The rest of the films will be shown either at St. James Park or the San Pedro Square Market.

Pee Wee's Big Adventure will also be tied to a San Jose Bike Party. I love seeing the synergy here between multiple big events happening Downtown. The full calendar is below and all movies are family friendly.