Affordable Housing Tower Advances Next to Berryessa BART Station

Progress on a 10-story apartment building at 1565 Mabury Rd. brings nearly 200 affordable homes closer to reality in Northeast San Jose. The development stands right next to the Berryessa BART station parking garage. Once finished, it will deliver a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom residences aimed at households earning up to 80 percent of the local area median income.

San Diego-based Affirmed Housing leads the effort after securing a ground lease from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. County records show an $11.1 million payment for the lease. Permanent financing of $162.6 million received approval through a combination of tax credits, tax-exempt bonds and contributions from Citibank, Santa Clara County and the City of San Jose.

The building will contain 193 affordable units plus two market-rate apartments reserved for on-site managers. Forty-five studios, 43 one-bedroom units and 105 two-bedroom apartments make up the affordable portion. These homes target working families and individuals who need stable housing near reliable public transit.

Location beside a major BART station supports the kind of dense, transit-oriented growth that reduces reliance on cars and connects residents directly to jobs across the region. The project represents one of several efforts turning long-discussed plans into actual buildings on underused land.

Leaders in land-use planning note that sites immediately adjacent to rail infrastructure represent prime opportunities for taller residential structures. This approach makes efficient use of existing transit investments while expanding housing choices in established neighborhoods.

Source: The Mercury News

Strata is the New Fine Dining Benchmark in Downtown San Jose

Rollati was one of my favorite restaurants in Downtown San Jose. It's flagship corner spot anchored the neighborhood, sitting under the MIRO towers across from the iconic San Jose City Hall (which our logo is based on). While I was sad to see it go, I immediately lit up when I found out the proprietors behind it's replacement are the geniuses behind Eos & Nyx, Alter Ego, Still OG, Paper Plane, and Miniboss. Needless to say expectations were very high for Strata, especially since they are taking a huge risk on the menu.

It's the first restaurant in San Jose to open with a Michelin-style fixed price tasting menu. Some like ADEGA have evolved into this type of experience, but Strata is all-in from day one. In the elegant dining room, that is the only option. Fortunately, it's one of the most affordable ones out there at $75 for 5 courses (with some optional supplements). You can also sit at the bar or lounge and order a-la-carte off a more casual menu. In the dining room you can add extra courses from the a-la-carte menu as well (which we did because we were really hungry).

The first course was a tuna tostada with salsa macha chorizo, avocado, and cilantro and an al pastor torta with pineapple salsa. They were both delicious and felt like an upscale nod to San Jose's street food scene.

Second was our favorite dish of the night. A rockfish crudo in one of the most unique plates I have ever seen. It featured white soy aquachile, serranos, cilantro, and crispy rice. You can also add caviar for an extra $25. I was told it was 1oz, but this is perhaps the one mistake they made on opening day because it was maybe 1/5 that at best. That sauce was so good that we spooned up ever last bit.

Third up was a ricotta stuffed tortellini (optional shaved truffle for $15) and chicken friend morrels (extra $15). The morrels which we somehow didn't get a picture of were amazing. One of the best mushrooms I have ever had. I should also mention that this restaurant group is know for amazing craft cocktails. I got a Bollywood Old Fashioned with chikoo, popcorn (?), and aromatic bitters. It did not disappoint.

The 4th course was the main. We had the rockfish and the chicken roulade. Both were amazing, I'd get either again. The meat and veggies were perfectly seasoned and every sauce really stood out. There was a 3rd option we didn't try which was a Prime NY steak with garlic chive for an extra $25. We also added the burger from the lounge which we gobbled up too fast to get a photo of--it was super tasty and guaranteed we'd leave stuffed since we skipped lunch.

Last but definitely not least were the desserts. There was a choice of a soft serve passionfruit ice cream with toasted coconut and brown butter crumble or a chocolate hazelnut semifreddo with candied hazelnut and cherries. We got once of each and enjoyed both but the chocolate hazelnut was the standout option. I couldn't leave without trying one more cocktail so I also got a "Tan Lines & Deadlines" for dessert. This was their take on an espresso martini with vodka, cold brew, coconut, turbinado, mole bitters, cinnamon, and salt. Easily one of the best dessert drinks I've had anywhere.

To wrap up, this is the new king of date night in San Jose and the benchmark for Downtown San Jose fine dining. Their menu will change every 6-8 weeks, focusing on fresh local ingredients that are in season. It's pricey but overall a good value for the quality of food, service, and ambiance you get. My tip would be to avoid the upcharges and instead add a 6th or 7th course from the bar/lounge menu to try as many different dishes as possible. I hope I'll get try out a few of the different menus this year. I'm very happy to see Strata Downtown and wish them much success.

Free Concerts Keep the Music Alive in St. James Park This June

St. James Park gears up once more for free, all-ages live music this June. Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose teams up with Viva Calle to extend the celebration, turning the park into a hub for an extra day of performances right as the street festival wraps up. The series already runs strong from May through September, complete with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities that welcome kids and families.

On Sunday, June 14 from 2pm to 6:15pm, the energy shifts to Souldies with co-headliners Thee Heart Tones and Thee Marloes. Thee Heart Tones deliver sharp chemistry and a nod to their roots through soul, oldies, and Chicano influences. Their take on the classic bolero “Sabor A Mi” highlights a thoughtful approach that links younger listeners to heritage while pulling generations together on the dance floor.

Thee Marloes bring their own global flavor straight from Surabaya. Their debut album Perak moves between punchy funk grooves and warm soul ballads, with some tracks carrying Indonesian lyrics that still land with full heart. Songs like the dancefloor burner “Midnight Hotline” and the mid-tempo groove of “Not Today” keep the set moving, while the overall sound creates space for anyone to connect regardless of background.

The rest of the summer lineup keeps the momentum going. Latin Jazz takes the spotlight on June 20 to mark the FIFA World Cup, followed the next day by Make Music Day celebrations. Later highlights include a United Lowrider Council Souldies night in July, hip-hop in August, a Prince tribute, and a salsa evening co-presented with MACLA. Every show stays free, family-friendly, and open to the community.

These gatherings strengthen bonds across Downtown San Jose while Levitt San Jose pushes forward on plans for a permanent Pavilion. The music turns an ordinary park afternoon into something shared and lasting.

For the full schedule, updates, or ways to support the series, visit levittsanjose.org and follow @LevittSanJose.

Gaiascope Brings Interactive Kaleidoscope Sculptures to Circle of Palms in Downtown San Jose

The Circle of Palms plaza in Downtown San Jose has gained a striking new centerpiece. Artist Brooke Einbender’s Gaiascope installation has taken its place there, with three suspended kaleidoscope sculptures on view from May 22 through August 18, 2026.

Each six-foot structure hangs from steel cables and carries a laser-cut steel skin. Intricate cutouts let shifting LED light spill outward in changing colors while mirrored chambers inside project video art that moves from microscopic natural details to sweeping landscapes.

Interactive pedestals stand ready for visitors. People can adjust lighting sequences, pick different colors, choose video segments, and even change playback speeds. The setup turns the sculptures into responsive experiences rather than static objects.

San Jose’s Office of Cultural Affairs commissioned the work as part of its public art programming for major events this year. The location at 124 S. Market Street sits right beside the San Jose Museum of Art, placing the installation in a high-traffic spot where daily foot traffic and evening gatherings already happen.

This kind of hands-on light and video piece adds another layer to how people engage with public space in Downtown San Jose. It rewards curiosity and is very on-brand for "Silicon Valley" art.

JapaCurry Temporarily Steps Into Former Naglee Park Garage Space in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose restaurant spaces keep cycling through fresh concepts as one door closes and another opens. JapaCurry has moved into the former Naglee Park Garage location at 505 E. San Carlos St. with its made-to-order Japanese curry since April.

The arrangement lasts only until July 1. On that date Garage Enishi, an American bistro with Japanese influences, will take over the space. JapaCurry will then shift operations next door into the former Top Dog spot at 284 S. 11th St. to stay in the immediate area. JapaCurry also has another Downtown San Jose location inside of the SoFA Market.

Naglee Park Garage earned a steady neighborhood following for its American dishes and large outdoor patio courtyard. The restaurant gained wider attention after appearing on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives before owners closed it in September 2025.

The same patio will host activity again in early August. Plans call for FIFA World Cup viewing parties, games, music, and community events that will bring people together outdoors once more.

Source: SVBJ

New Affordable Apartment Homes Planned for Former Surface Parking Lot in Downtown San Jose

A new affordable apartment complex that will convert a surface parking lot into 173 homes. The project sits at 143 South Third Street on a 1.3-acre parcel near Paseo de San Antonio and directly beside the Hammer Theatre Center. Developers propose a seven-story building with five stories of apartments stacked above a two-story parking structure.

Sobrato Organization, working with Pacific West Communities, has owned the lot since around 2010. The proposal calls for 171 of the units to serve extremely low-income, very low-income, and low-income households, with the remaining two reserved as market-rate units for on-site managers. Plans include a central courtyard plus dedicated spaces for a lounge, event center, and reading room.

Location advantages stand out. Residents will live steps from cultural programming at the Hammer Theatre Center and within easy reach of the walkable amenities along Paseo de San Antonio. This infill approach puts new housing on underused land in the heart of Downtown San Jose rather than pushing development outward.

The developers intend to use streamlining provisions under Senate Bill 330 to move the project through local review more efficiently. Land-use consultant Bob Staedler has pointed out that San Jose has spent years talking about towers, yet very few residential high-rises have actually been delivered over the last two decades. He suggests the city should focus less on height and more on achievable density when the goal is housing production, especially affordable housing.

Personally, it's always great to add more housing right in the middle of Downtown San Jose but this is a premier location that really should have been reserved for a flagship high-rise project. Originally it was supposed to be the 2nd tower for The 88.

Source: The Mercury News

T&T Supermarket to Open First California Location in San Jose

San Jose welcomes a major new player in Asian groceries when T&T Supermarket opens its first California store on June 18. Located at 1600 Saratoga Ave. inside the Westgate Center, the market sits near Target and Ross Dress for Less. Local residents gain convenient access to an extensive range of products from across Asia.

The chain encountered construction hurdles that shifted the original fall 2025 target date. After adjustments to spring, the timeline settled on summer. The completed store now stands ready to serve the community with its full lineup.

Thousands of grocery items fill the shelves, covering Chinese, Japanese, Korean and other Asian cuisines. Prepared foods, bakery selections and private label goods round out the offerings. Shoppers can expect both everyday staples and specialty finds that support home cooking and quick meals.

The company positions the store as a cultural hub. Asian families will have a place to reconnect with foods and traditions from their upbringing. The market also extends an invitation to the broader Silicon Valley audience for food exploration and discovery.

Expansion continues with planned locations in Millbrae, Chino Hills, Irvine and San Francisco by year's end. This San Jose debut anchors the brand's California presence. It contributes another layer to the diverse retail and dining options that define the city.

Source: SVBJ

Downtown San Jose Retail Updates at The Grad and Centerra

The Grad just lost a tenant (Ding Tea) but picked up two new ones: Delah Coffee and Naz's Halal. Delah Coffee is a poular chain of Yemeni and Middle Easter cafes. They are known for culturally rich beverages and cozy interiors. Some of their specialty drinks include spiced Adeni Chai and Harazi Coffee along pastries like baklava and Turkish delights.

Naz's Halal is a rapidly growing fast-casual chain serving NYC-style halal platter and gyros. They're known for generous portions at affordable prices (perfect for The Grad).

On the other side of Downtown San Jose, Centerra finally has a new tenant next to Dr. Ink. Palmetto Superfoods is opening their newest location in that primo spot across the street from the San Pedro Square Market. They are a California-based chain featuring customizable Brazilian açaí bowls and superfood smoothies.

Source: Robertee from Skyscraper City

Bafang Dumpling Brings Authentic Taiwanese Flavors to San Jose with New Location

San Jose has welcomed another addition to its growing selection of Taiwanese cuisine. Bafang Dumpling opened its second Northern California outpost on May 8 at 1078 E. Brokaw Road, roughly six months after launching in nearby Santa Clara.

The chain, founded nearly 30 years ago in Taiwan, specializes in potstickers, dumplings, and beef noodle soup. U.S. locations include expanded noodle and side options beyond the core offerings popular in its home markets across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.

Expansion into the South Bay reflects the brand’s focus on Northern California as a priority market. With 15 U.S. locations already operating, mostly in Southern California, the company continues to add sites in key regions including further California growth planned for this year.

The arrival aligns with a broader wave of Asian-inspired dining concepts taking root across Silicon Valley. New supermarkets, food halls, and marketplaces have increased access to diverse flavors and ingredients for local residents and workers.

Those who enjoy well-crafted dumplings and comforting noodle dishes now have a convenient new option in San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Secures a Professional Women’s Hockey League Franchise

San Jose has secured its place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League as the league’s 12th franchise. The announcement marks another step in the rapid growth of women’s professional hockey and positions the city as a key West Coast hub for the sport.

The new team will play its home games at SAP Center, the same venue undergoing a major renovation. This addition brings the PWHL to four West Coast teams, easing travel demands that have challenged existing clubs in Vancouver and Seattle.

All PWHL teams operate under TWG Global rather than local NHL ownership. The structure supports the league’s independent expansion while San Jose prepares to welcome players, staff, and fans in the coming seasons.

City leaders have linked the arrival of the team to broader plans for a sports and entertainment district in Downtown San Jose. Such developments aim to increase activity and economic vitality around the arena through mixed-use projects and improved fan experiences.

The combination of a new professional team, arena improvements, and district planning signals continued momentum for San Jose as a destination for sports and entertainment. Residents and visitors alike stand to benefit from the added energy these investments bring to the urban core.

Source: SVBJ