City Council Rezones IBM Almaden Site to Balance Open Space and Future Use

San Jose City Council voted 9-2 on Tuesday to rezone the former IBM Almaden Research Center property at 650 Harry Road. The decision splits the site into two distinct categories: 35.1 acres containing the research buildings become an industrial park zoning district, while the remaining 565.1 acres of surrounding vacant land receive open space zoning.

IBM is closing the Almaden campus and consolidating operations at its Silicon Valley Lab on Bailey Road. The property is now on the market. City planning staff reported that several real estate groups have already inquired about possible future uses for the developed portion, ranging from research and development to advanced manufacturing or general office space.

The rezoning does not approve any specific project. Land-use consultant Erik Schoennauer, representing a potential buyer, told the council the change simply aligns the site with the city’s general plan. It keeps the large open-space area in its current natural state while allowing the existing industrial buildings to return to productive use more efficiently.

More than 30 residents spoke during the public hearing, many urging the council to slow the process and raise concerns about possible data centers or other intensive industrial activity. Councilmember George Casey, whose district includes the property, argued that delaying the vote would not change the underlying need to update the zoning. Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized the shared goal of protecting the open space that IBM had long maintained.

The dual zoning aims to keep the hillsides and undeveloped land intact while giving the built campus a clearer path toward new economic activity once a buyer steps forward.

Source: SiliconValley.com

A Faster Path for Diridon Station’s Transformation

California lawmakers took a meaningful step last week when the Assembly Appropriations Committee approved SB 1375 and sent it to the full Assembly. The measure creates a targeted exemption from California Environmental Quality Act review for qualifying urban intermodal rail station modernization projects that meet environmental, labor, and community standards while limiting construction impacts and protecting against displacement. Authored by Senator Dave Cortese of San Jose, the bill positions the long-planned overhaul of Diridon Station to move forward with fewer redundant delays.

Diridon already functions as a critical node on the western edge of Downtown San Jose, serving Caltrain, Amtrak, ACE, and VTA light rail and bus lines. Future service will layer in BART through the Silicon Valley Phase II extension, additional Capitol Corridor trains, and California high-speed rail. The California High-Speed Rail Authority’s 2026 business plan targets extension of service from the Central Valley to San Jose and San Francisco by 2039. Partner agencies including the City of San Jose, Caltrain, VTA, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, and the High-Speed Rail Authority selected an at-grade station alternative in 2025 that keeps tracks near today’s street level while rebuilding platforms, the historic depot, public plazas, and street connections. Normal environmental review for that program was projected to consume three to four years before design and construction could fully advance.

Streamlining the state environmental process while federal NEPA review continues could shave years off the timeline for a facility expected to handle nearly 100,000 daily passengers once complete. That scale of connectivity supports denser housing and jobs within walking distance of frequent transit, eases highway congestion, and advances the region’s climate targets. Mayor Matt Mahan has described Diridon as poised to become the busiest transit hub west of the Mississippi, provided modernization does not stall. Councilmember Michael Mulcahy has likewise framed the station as a foundation for sustainable growth that links jobs, sports venues, and neighborhoods across Downtown San Jose and the South Bay.

Passage of SB 1375 would not eliminate every review or community conversation. It would, however, remove one layer of duplication for a project that has already undergone years of planning, design alternatives analysis, and public input. For a city investing heavily in transit-oriented development around Diridon, including Google’s Downtown West project, the difference between a delayed station and a completed one will shape daily life for decades.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Moves Forward with Over One Thousand New Homes

San Jose has unlocked substantial progress on housing by approving nearly ten million dollars in incentives for three residential developments. These waivers will help deliver more than one thousand one hundred new units while addressing affordability challenges that many residents face daily.

In Downtown San Jose the Gateway Tower project at 470 South Market Street will introduce two hundred twenty affordable apartments in a fifteen-story structure that also includes ground-floor retail space. Construction starts in May. Nearby the historic Bank of Italy building transforms into one hundred nine apartments, preserving architectural heritage and adding needed homes to the urban core with work beginning in April.

West San Jose gains momentum as well. Sand Hill Property Co. has already launched construction at El Paseo de Saratoga where seven hundred seventy-two units will take shape along the Saratoga corridor. Vertical building is expected to advance soon.

San Jose continues to demonstrate leadership by streamlining costs and encouraging developers to move forward despite broader market pressures. As these projects rise, residents will gain more choices for living spaces that fit their budgets and lives.

Source: SVBJ

Downtown San Jose Then and Now: 1975 to Today

A collection of photographs from 1975, discovered in 2006 by architect Gerald Greenleaf while working for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, offers a striking look at Downtown San Jose's evolution. These images, captured during a comprehensive street survey, stand in contrast to current views, with nearly half the scenes transformed beyond recognition and others heavily modified. The comparisons serve as a visual record of urban redevelopment, touching on themes of memory and city identity.

In 1975, Downtown featured wide streets, low-rise structures, and open blocks dotted with parking lots, creating a sparse and exposed landscape under the sun. Fewer trees left sidewalks bare, contributing to a slower, smaller-scale feel with plenty of visible sky. Fast forward to today, and the area boasts increased density through office towers, hotels, cultural spaces, and improved transit options that redefine the skyline and grid.

Greenery has multiplied, with trees now shading walkways and softening the edges of buildings for a more inviting environment. The shift stems largely from 1990s redevelopment efforts that pushed for ambition and vertical growth, turning underused spaces into a modern hub. This change reflects San Jose's ongoing transition from agricultural roots to a regional powerhouse.

These side-by-side views remind residents of what has been gained in vibrancy and lost in openness, preserving stories of the city's layers. Downtown San Jose continues to adapt, blending past elements with new possibilities.

For more details, visit https://www.retrobayarea.com/post/downtown-san-jose-then-and-now-1975-today.

New Law Sparks Growth Opportunities Near San Jose Transit Stations

Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 79 into law, setting the stage for increased residential density around transit hubs in eight California counties, including Santa Clara. This measure, authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, enables developers to construct taller and denser housing projects within a half-mile radius of qualifying rail stops, bypassing some local zoning limits. For San Jose residents, this opens doors to more vibrant neighborhoods where living close to public transportation becomes easier and more appealing.

The law targets counties with over 15 passenger rail stations, a threshold Santa Clara County meets with its extensive network of BART, Caltrain, and VTA light rail options. Projects under SB 79 must include affordable units if they exceed a certain size, ensuring broader access to housing. This approach addresses California's housing shortage by prioritizing development in areas already served by efficient transit, which could reduce reliance on cars and ease traffic congestion in the South Bay.

Details of the upzoning vary by transit type. Around Tier 1 stops like BART and Caltrain, buildings can reach up to nine stories near the station entrance, seven stories within a quarter mile, and six stories out to a half mile. For Tier 2 stops, such as light rail lines, the heights are slightly lower, topping out at eight stories adjacent to the stop. These provisions apply to sites zoned for residential, mixed-use, or commercial purposes, provided they meet density and affordability criteria.

San Jose stands to benefit greatly from this initiative, fostering communities that blend urban convenience with sustainable living. As the city expands its transit infrastructure, including extensions to key areas, SB 79 supports a future where more people can call San Jose home without sacrificing accessibility or adding to traffic gridlock. The result could be a more lively cityscape that showcases San Jose's potential as a leader in smart urban development.

Source: SVBJ

CityView Plaza Evolves: Demolition Paves Way for Downtown San Jose's Next Chapter

Demolition work at CityView Plaza has officially begun, where crews have cleared a nearly two-acre site at 185 Park Avenue for an eight-story parking garage and retail hub known as The Shops at CityView. This phase transforms a former commercial campus at Park Avenue and Almaden Boulevard, replacing outdated structures like a bank branch, parking garage, and office building with modern amenities. The new garage will provide 1,135 spaces to support nearby offices and future residents, while 35,000 square feet of ground-floor shops add vitality to the street level.

Architectural highlights include a perforated metal facade with vertical fins for visual interest, and floor-to-ceiling windows for the retail spaces overlooking landscaped sidewalks. Nearby, renovations at 150 South Almaden Boulevard upgrade a 15-story office tower with a refreshed lobby, conference center, and fitness facilities spanning 204,000 square feet. Adaptive reuse efforts convert existing buildings into housing, such as 145 units at 100 West San Fernando Street, 22 at 130 South Almaden Boulevard, and 163 at 125 South Market Street, blending preservation with contemporary living.

Phase two brings even more ambition with The Tower at CityView, a 27-story high-rise at 121 South Market Street set to offer 360 apartments from studios to three-bedroom penthouses, rising 293 feet. Renderings show pedestrian-friendly designs, internal pathways, and green spaces that connect the campus. Led by Jay Paul Company with designs from DES Architects + Engineers and Solomon Cordwell Buenz, the project emphasizes connectivity near light rail and future BART stations.

With the site now fully leveled after starting demolition in April, construction on The Shops could wrap in about 24 months following recent plan amendments.

sfyimby.com

sfyimby.com

Source: SF YIMBY

San Jose Pushes for More Homes

City leaders recently greenlit over $10 million in tax and fee waivers for two major housing projects, proving that San Jose is serious about getting more homes built. With high interest rates and rising costs slowing construction across the Bay Area, this incentive program is a lifeline for developers and a big win for residents eager for more housing options.

The two projects cashing in on these perks are the Coyote Creek Urban Village at 2620 Seely Avenue and Federal Realty’s development at 358 Hatton Street near Santana Row. Together, they’re saving developers more than $10 million, with Coyote Creek slashing over $6 million and Federal Realty pocketing nearly $4.5 million in savings. This will move forward a projected 1,278 new units, including 64 affordable ones, bringing much-needed homes to both market-rate buyers and lower-income families.

The city’s incentive program offers a 50% cut in taxes and fees for projects that lock in permits by the end of this year, with a second phase kicking in 2026 offering a 25% reduction. It’s a practical approach that’s already jumpstarted other developments, like The Hanover Co.’s 345-unit project and The Aquino apartment building in Downtown San Jose. With only 2,700 permits issued last year against a state goal of 62,200 new units by 2031.

Source: The Mercury News

Sharks Way

San Jose has long cherished its sports teams, with the San Jose Sharks holding a special place in the city's heart since their debut in 1991. This hockey team has woven itself into the fabric of the Bay Area, delivering thrilling moments and fostering a deep sense of pride among fans. Now, the city is celebrating this legacy by renaming a prominent stretch near the SAP Center as Sharks Way, a tribute that strengthens the bond between the team and Downtown San Jose.

The timing of this change aligns with San Jose’s efforts to secure the Sharks’ future here. City leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan, are nearing a 25-year agreement to keep the team rooted in San Jose, pending City Council approval. This long-term commitment underscores the Sharks’ value as more than just a sports franchise; they’re a cornerstone of community spirit. Sharks Way symbolizes that dedication, promising a lasting impact on the city’s identity.

You can find Sharks Way at the corner of West St. John Street and North Almaden Boulevard.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

New Apartment Complex Breaks Ground at 905 Capitol Avenue

After years of being stuck in the planning stages, a sleek seven-story apartment complex is finally breaking ground, all thanks to the city’s clever multifamily housing incentive program. Led by Hanover Company, this 345-unit development is bringing much-needed homes—including affordable ones.

This project was gathering dust since getting the green light in 2022, held back by financing woes. Then San Jose stepped in with its incentive program, launched late last year, offering developers a lifeline through fee and tax breaks. For Hanover, it was the push they needed. Now, construction is rolling, with a finish line about two years out. The complex will offer a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units, with 5% set aside as affordable housing for folks earning the area median income. There’s even 3,000 square feet of office space to spice things up along North Capitol Avenue.

What’s the magic behind this incentive program? It cuts costs in smart ways. Developers who include at least 5% affordable units onsite—like Hanover did—skip the usual “in-lieu” fee tied to the city’s affordable housing rules. Park fees get trimmed for projects with private amenities, and construction taxes take a hit too, with big reductions for the first 1,500 units approved by 2025. It’s a practical move that’s getting shovels in the ground and homes in the pipeline.

The perks don’t stop at housing numbers. This development sits less than half a mile from the Penitencia Creek Light Rail Station, putting public transit within easy reach. And for anyone who loves a good bike ride, the project includes two new bike lanes along North Capitol Avenue, linking up with the Penitencia Creek Trail.

Source: SVBJ