San Jose’s Urban Village Vision: 474 New Affordable Homes on South Bascom Avenue

As part of San Jose’s Urban Village plan, a new development promises to transform a sleepy lot into a lively, walkable hub where with easy access to public transportation. The Urban Village plan anchors San Jose’s 2040 Envision Plan, targeting areas like the South Bascom site for a bold shift toward medium to high-density growth. It’s all about crafting neighborhoods where daily life doesn’t hinge on a car.

Crafted by b9 Architects, this project at 1099 South Bascom Avenue will deliver 474 affordable housing units, a major win for accessibility. The design leans hard into sustainable living, offering just 191 parking spaces but a generous 457 bike stalls. It’s a clear nod to a future where pedals outpace pistons. The site, currently home to a Round Table Pizza and a vacant storefront once occupied by Kelly-Moore Paints, will shed its underused past for a vibrant new chapter. The developer is even pursuing a density bonus to pack in more units, amplifying the project’s reach.

This isn’t a standalone effort—San Jose is riding a wave of transformation. Across Santa Clara County, underutilized parcels are morphing into large affordable housing developments, and South Bascom Avenue is a standout in this trend. By embracing the Urban Village model, San Jose is sculpting a city that’s sustainable, dynamic, and open to all.

Source: SF YIMBY

South First Street Night Market Lights Up Downtown San Jose on April 26

Downtown San Jose comes alive on Saturday, April 26 with the vibrant South First Street Night Market, Hosted along South First Street, this free, family-friendly event runs from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., transforming the heart of the SoFA District into a bustling open-air marketplace. The night market promises an evening filled with local flavors, unique crafts, and live entertainment.

The South First Street Night Market features an impressive lineup of over 50 vendors, offering everything from artisanal goods to mouthwatering street food. Attendees can savor dishes inspired by San Jose’s multicultural culinary scene, including tacos, boba tea, and fusion bites from local food trucks and pop-up stalls. Craft vendors will display handmade jewelry, artwork, and clothing, highlighting the talents of South Bay artisans.

Live performances are a cornerstone of the night market, with local musicians, DJs, and dance groups taking the stage throughout the evening. Expect a mix of genres, from indie rock to Latin rhythms, reflecting the diverse sounds of San Jose. The event also includes interactive art installations and activities for all ages, such as face painting and craft workshops, ensuring there’s something for everyone. South First Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between San Carlos and Reed Streets, creating a pedestrian-friendly zone where visitors can stroll and soak in the festive atmosphere.

The SoFA District, known for its vibrant arts scene and historic charm, provides the perfect backdrop for this event.  Local businesses, including cafes and boutiques, will stay open late, adding to the lively ambiance. The event also aligns with San Jose’s commitment to sustainability, with vendors encouraged to use eco-friendly packaging and organizers promoting public transit options like VTA light rail to reach Downtown.

This April’s night market is part of a series designed to draw both locals and visitors to Downtown San Jose, fostering a sense of community and pride. Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun night out, the South First Street Night Market delivers an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendars for April 26 and join thousands of others in celebrating the spirit of San Jose under the evening sky.

Waymo is Finally Coming to San Jose

Big news for San Jose: Waymo, the innovative robotaxi company spun off from Google, is gearing up to bring its driverless ride-hailing service to town. The company has applied for final approval to operate across nearly all of San Jose, along with nearby areas like Campbell, Cupertino, and Los Gatos. This expansion has the enthusiastic backing of Mayor Matt Mahan and former mayor turned Congressman Sam Liccardo, who both see it as a game-changer for our community.

The San Jose metro is on the cusp of hosting some massive global events in 2026, like the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl 60. With Waymo’s autonomous vehicles rolling through our streets, we’re poised to offer safe, reliable, and cutting-edge transportation options for residents, workers, and visitors alike. Every time I take a Waymo is seems to get better and better.

Downtown San Jose stands to gain a lot from this move too. The San Jose Downtown Association is all in, pointing out how Waymo can breathe new life into our city’s core. By bridging that tricky last-mile gap between transit stations and key spots like restaurants, offices, and entertainment venues, these driverless cars could help draw more people back to Downtown (especially if they become far cheaper than Uber/Lyft). It’s an exciting step toward making our urban center more accessible and vibrant, especially after the challenges of the past few years.

Safety is another huge plus. With human error behind most vehicle-crash deaths, autonomous technology offers a promising way to make our roads safer. Waymo’s track record and recent support from leaders across the Bay Area show that this isn’t just a futuristic dream; it’s a practical solution taking root right now. Plus, with Waymo already expanding down the Peninsula and eyeing service at San Francisco International Airport, San Jose is joining a region-wide wave of progress.

This is more than just a new way to get around—it’s a chance for San Jose to lead the way in transportation innovation. It won't eliminate public transit but compliment it. My last Waymo was to get from Caltrain to my final destination in SF, and I can see that use case providing even more value to San Joseans going to areas with limited (or no) transit options.

Downtown San Jose Farmers' Market Kicks off Tomorrow

Every Wednesday from 9 am to 1:30 pm, the Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market transforms the city’s heart with fresh, local vibes. This certified gem offers a colorful array of produce, artisanal goodies, and tasty bites—perfect for a midweek pick-me-up. Expect farm-fresh fruits, veggies, handmade crafts, and food truck delights, all brought to you by passionate local vendors.

It all starts tomorrow, April 23rd at the Hammer Theatre Plaza (Paseo de San Antonio between 2nd and 3rd Streets). You can enjoy 90 minutes of free parking at the ParkSJ garage with entrances located on both 2nd and 3rd Streets. While you're in the area you might as well pick up a $2 burger from locally-owned Campus Burgers as well.

Opening Day Vendor List

• Farmers
• Nuno Family Farm – Conventional veggies
• Castellanos Farm – Conventional fruits
• Bay Fresh – Strawberries
• Ken’s Top Notch – Organic fruits
• ALD&Y – Organic veggies
• EcoGrow Hub – Hydroponic microgreens
• Packaged Food
• California Bakeshop – Artisanal bakery, cookies, empanadas
• Brother’s Products S.F. – Hummus, yogurt
• Hurno – Specialty pastries
• Mango Blossom Apiary – Honey
• Hot Food
• Thai Street Food – Chicken satay, papaya salad, thai teas, more
• Dumpling King – dumplings
• Chiken’s Tamales – Tamales, vegan empanadas
• Coming Soon!
• Fox Tale Fermentation Project
• Valley Toffee

Massive Residential Project Proposed at 2518 Mission College Blvd.

A 1,792 apartment project spanning nearly 3 million SQFT is planned on a 25.74-acre parcel in the Freedom Circle Area by Irvine Company. There is not much information about the project yet besides the images below.

Sadly the project will only feature 3,500 SQFT of retail, so you cannot call it a true mixed use project. You do have offices, hotels, and a handful of restaurants such as Birk's and Pedros in the area.

We'll post more info as soon as there is more information.

Revitalizing San Jose’s Historic Orchard: A Green Tribute to Our Agricultural Roots

San Jose’s Historic Orchard in Downtown San Jose is about to get a little greener! The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy (GRPC) is planting 10 new citrus and avocado trees as part of an ambitious plan to revitalize this 3.3-acre gem with 200 climate-adapted fruit trees. This isn’t just a landscaping project—it’s a celebration of San Jose’s agricultural legacy. Once a thriving hub for fruit production in the 1930s and ’40s, San Jose has few orchards left standing today. The Historic Orchard offers a rare chance to step back in time while embracing trees designed to flourish in our modern climate.

This exciting phase of the Historic Orchard Revitalization Initiative is powered by a partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) through California ReLeaf’s Growing Green Communities Grant Program. PG&E volunteers are rolling up their sleeves to help plant these trees. “By planting the right tree in the right place, we can reduce power outages, mitigate wildfire risk, and maintain reliable service,” said Teresa Alvarado, vice president of PG&E’s South Bay and Central Coast. “This mindful planting also helps create sustainable ecosystems for future generations and we’re proud to help GRPC and its master gardeners do that here in San Jose by preserving the beautiful Historic Orchard.” With the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County maintaining the space, the orchard is becoming a living classroom for sustainable gardening and a tribute to our region’s roots.

What makes this project so special? It’s all about connection. “Revitalization of the Historic Orchard is an opportunity to support a sustainable sense-of-place by honoring our region’s history, adapting to change, enhancing tree canopy, and supporting local food cultivation and park use,” said Joe Salvato, GRPC’s Deputy Director. The new trees are carefully chosen for their resilience against pests and diseases, ensuring the orchard remains a vibrant part of Downtown San Jose for years to come.

The best part? The Historic Orchard is open to everyone, and the GRPC welcomes community members to get involved. Stop by to see the new trees taking root, learn about their care, or even volunteer to help nurture this slice of history. It’s a chance to dig into San Jose’s story—literally and figuratively—and contribute to a project that’s as much about people as it is about plants. Next time you’re near Taylor Street in Downtown San Jose, take a detour through the orchard. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

Transforming San Jose: The Future of the Pleasant Hills Site

Near San Jose’s scenic Lake Cunningham lies an extraordinary opportunity: approximately 115 acres of undeveloped land, a remnant of the former Pleasant Hills Golf Course that closed in 2004. As one of the last large untouched parcels in the city, this site at 2050 and 2079 S. White Road is sparking excitement and debate about how it can help shape San Jose’s future. With the city facing a housing crisis and ambitious state goals to build over 62,000 residential units by 2031, two compelling visions have emerged for this rare piece of land, each offering a chance to create something remarkable.

Developer Lakeside Commons LLC, an affiliate of Terrascape Ventures, has put forward a plan to build 1,716 residential units, focusing on single-family homes along the edges and townhomes toward the center, complemented by mixed-use buildings and parks. Managing Principal Mark Lazzarini highlights the thoughtful approach behind their proposal: “This neighborhood is largely single family detached. It’s an older neighborhood. So I think, yes, you can have a step up in density but you still have to be respectful of your surrounding and what really works and fits in this area.” Designed with community input, their plan prioritizes feasibility and respects the character of the surrounding area, aiming for entitlement by year’s end.

Meanwhile, nonprofit Catalyze Silicon Valley is advocating for a bolder vision. Their alternative plan envisions a mix of high and medium-density housing, alongside mixed-use buildings, a plaza, parks, and even an amphitheater. While they haven’t pinned down an exact number of units, their proposal promises significantly more housing than the current plan. “San Jose could get a lot more housing out of the land on this project,” says Jake Wilde, Catalyze SV’s Manager of Development Projects. To ease community concerns, their design includes a “green belt” of park space to buffer the development from nearby single-family neighborhoods, a creative solution to balance growth with local harmony.

The contrast between these proposals reflects the broader challenges and opportunities San Jose faces. In 2023, the city completed just 1,316 residential units—far below what’s needed to meet housing demands. Lakeside Commons emphasizes practicality, with Lazzarini noting, “If a project is not feasible, it’s not going to get built. So, you have to strike that balance.” Catalyze SV, however, sees the Pleasant Hills site as a chance to push boundaries, especially after giving the current plan a low 2.75 out of 5 score in their advocacy review, largely due to its limited density. Their ambitious ideas could maximize the site’s potential and set a new standard for urban development.

What makes this moment so exciting is the promise of transformation. Whether it’s Lakeside Commons’ community-sensitive approach or Catalyze SV’s innovative high-density vision, the Pleasant Hills site could become a vibrant new hub—offering homes, green spaces, and amenities that elevate life in San Jose. It’s a rare chance to address the housing shortage while creating a place that residents can take pride in. As Lazzarini puts it, “This is a rare opportunity. There really aren’t any sites quite like this… It’s an anomaly that it still exists.”

San Jose stands at a crossroads with this project, and the community’s voice will play a key role in its future. Residents have a chance to get involved, share their perspectives, and help craft a development that reflects the city’s values. Stay tuned as this site evolves—it could not only meet today’s needs but also inspire tomorrow’s growth.

Source: SVBJ

Unveiling Creativity: Content Magazine's Issue 17.3 "Perform" Pick-Up Party in San Jose!

Mark your calendars for Content Magazine’s Pick-Up Party for issue 17.3, themed “Perform”! This can’t-miss event is happening on May 16, 2025, at West Valley College in Saratoga. It’s the perfect chance to celebrate the city’s artistic pulse and connect with fellow culture enthusiasts.

For years, Content Magazine has been a beacon for San Jose’s creative scene, spotlighting the talent and innovation that make our city special. Each issue explores a fresh theme, and “Perform” is all about the magic of the performing arts—think theater, dance, music, and spoken word. This release promises to capture the energy and emotion of live expression, making it a must-have for anyone who loves the arts.

The event’s venue, West Valley College, adds its own flair to the evening. Known for its strong arts programs, this educational hub is an ideal spot to celebrate performance and creativity. The college’s welcoming campus in Saratoga sets the stage for a night of inspiration, brought to life through a partnership with Filco Events and published by SV Creates. Together, they’re crafting an experience that blends art, culture, and community seamlessly.

One standout feature of the night will be the artwork by Hana Lock. Her pieces, featured in issue 17.3, reflect the spirit of “Perform” with stunning visuals that tie the theme together. It’s a beautiful reminder of how art can move us and bring us closer as a community.

Ready to join in? RSVP now to secure your spot at this unforgettable gathering. You can pre-order your copy of the magazine by May 3 for free shipping. Content subscribers also receive a complimentary adult beverage and Hors D'oeuvres to toast to their support of the local arts community.

So, come out to West Valley College on May 16 and immerse yourself in the best of San Jose’s artistic soul. We’ll see you there!

The Pressroom: A Culinary Revival in Downtown San Jose’s Historic Lyndon Building

San Jose’s culinary landscape is about to welcome a new star with the opening of The Pressroom, a restaurant that debuted on March 27, in the heart of Downtown San Jose. The Lyndon Building, constructed in 1884 and once the home of the Mercury News, has long stood as a landmark in San Jose. Now, it’s being reimagined as a gathering place for food lovers, adding a fresh chapter to the ongoing revitalization of the Downtown core and the lively San Pedro Square area.

The Pressroom is the brainchild of Dave Mulvehill, a local restaurateur already known for Five Points and Dr. Funk. His latest venture promises a menu that’s as intriguing as it is delicious, featuring standout dishes like tomahawk steaks and duck waffles. The drink offerings are equally compelling, with a cocktail menu crafted by the Dr. Funk team—expect classics with a twist inspired by the Lyndon Building’s legacy. What’s more, the wine and beer selections will lean heavily on local producers, a nod to San Jose’s thriving community of artisans and a reminder of how interconnected this city’s businesses are.

Step inside, and you’ll find a space that balances sophistication with warmth. The design respects the building’s historic roots, blending them with modern touches to create an atmosphere that feels both elevated and approachable. It’s the kind of place where you could celebrate a milestone or simply enjoy a weeknight meal, all while soaking in the character of Downtown San Jose.

The Pressroom is located at 189 W. Santa Clara St. and is open 7 days a week. You can make reservations on OpenTable.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose’s Downtown Set for Transformation with Data Center and Housing Projects

San Jose’s Downtown is on the cusp of a transformation that could redefine its landscape and economic future. City officials are enthusiastic about two major projects proposed by Westbank, blending data centers with housing developments to deliver a powerful one-two punch of innovation and growth. The San Jose City Council has taken decisive action, directing building officials to prioritize these initiatives due to their potential to spark economic vitality and inspire further development. This bold move underscores the city’s determination to cement its place as a thriving hub in Silicon Valley.

The financial benefits alone are enough to turn heads. A proposed 99 MW data center could bring in between $3.5 million and $6.4 million in taxes and fees each year, creating a reliable revenue stream for San Jose. But the impact goes beyond dollars and cents—these projects are expected to generate jobs and draw new businesses to Downtown San Jose. Andrew Jacobson from Westbank captured the brilliance of this approach perfectly: “Housing is very challenged in San Jose, but data centers are not. When you couple those together, you have viable projects.” This clever pairing could ease the city’s housing crunch while strengthening its tech backbone.

Sustainability is also a key piece of the puzzle. The projects include plans for a district energy system, which could reduce energy costs for other developers in the area. This isn’t just smart for Westbank’s bottom line—it’s a gift to future Downtown growth. To sweeten the deal, the city has extended economic incentive programs, like the downtown high-rise initiative that waives construction taxes and fees. These efforts show San Jose’s commitment to overcoming market hurdles and keeping the momentum going for bold, forward-thinking development.

Downtown San Jose stands to gain more than just new skyline features. By merging cutting-edge technology with practical housing solutions, the city is laying the groundwork to tackle some of its toughest challenges head-on.

Source: The Mercury News