November 2025 First Fridays

Downtown San Jose transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity today with the return of the First Fridays Art Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Spanning the SoFA District, Historic District and Martha Gardens District, this free event opens galleries, museums and independent spaces to the public. Visitors of all ages can wander through exhibitions, engage with artists and participate in activities that celebrate local and international talent. Produced by CURATUS in collaboration with community partners, the evening encourages exploration and connection across neighborhoods.

In the SoFA District, ANNO DOMINI presents solo shows featuring surreal paintings from Indonesia and mixed-media works on mortality from the UK. KALEID Gallery hosts a reception for an interdisciplinary artist reflecting on family and street life through photography and multimedia. MACLA invites interaction with displays on cultural resilience using animation and augmented reality, plus a poetry party and youth photography exhibition capturing urban scenes. The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art explores AI and oral histories in immersive projections, complete with tea sachet and collage workshops.

Further highlights in SoFA include group exhibitions at Morgann Trumbull Projects delving into ritual in art and subtle urban forms. Opera San José offers live arias and organ performances outside the California Theater, along with a scavenger hunt. San Jose Jazz features a jam session with guest saxophonist Howard Wiley and high school musicians. The San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles displays award-winning contemporary quilts and diverse basketry techniques.

The Historic District adds depth with Chopsticks Alley Gallery's celebration of San Jose heritage through collective projects and a reading by local author Gary Singh. Works/San Jose opens a show on softness as strength with new works by emerging artists. In Martha Gardens District, Art Ark Gallery gathers dozens of creators for a festive display of unique pieces with live music. FUSE at the Citadel showcases stories from San Jose's Creative Ambassadors in various media, while MACHU PICCHU Gallery honors Día de los Muertos with a communal ofrenda for remembrance and healing.

Murals enhance the experience, such as the block-long Romance piece in the Qmunity District expressing love and resilience, and Urban Abstractions planters signaling the area's artistic energy. Phantom Galleries curates these public works to inspire passersby.

For additional information, visit https://www.southfirstfridays.com/2025/10/first-fridays-artwalksj-november-7-2025-5-9pm/

Gateway Tower Set to Transform Downtown San Jose's SoFA District

A significant development is on the horizon for Downtown San Jose as Gateway Tower secures over $220 million in funding to bring affordable housing to the vibrant SoFA District. The Core Companies will construct a 15-story residential building at 470 S. Market Street, drawing support from the city of San Jose, Santa Clara County, and state resources. This project marks a step forward in addressing housing needs while enhancing the area's appeal as a center for arts and culture.

The tower will feature 220 units designed for residents earning 30% to 70% of the area median income. Among these, 55 units are set aside for rapid rehousing to help combat homelessness. A tenant preference program will give SoFA-based artists the first opportunity for some residences, supporting the district's creative community. Ground floor retail space exceeding 3,000 square feet will add to the neighborhood's lively street-level activity. The first four floors will also serve as a parking garage, ensuring convenience for residents and visitors.

Construction kicks off in the first quarter of 2026, with completion slated for early 2028.

Source: SVBJ

Gateway Tower Rises: Affordable High-Rise Housing Approved for Downtown San Jose

Over $38 million in loans has been approved for the Gateway Tower project, a 15-story building set to bring 220 affordable units to the SoFA District at 470 South Market Street. Developed by Core Cos., this marks the city's first purpose-built high-rise for workforce housing in Downtown San Jose. The shift to a fully affordable model addresses long-standing financing hurdles and aligns with efforts to meet housing needs amid economic pressures. With construction potentially starting in March 2026 and wrapping up in about two years, the tower promises to add vital residences to the urban core.

The project reserves 120 units for extremely low-income households, with rents starting at $1,055 for studios and reaching $1,567 for three-bedrooms. Another 98 units target households earning between 50% and 70% of the area median income, offering rents from $1,758 for studios to $2,611 for three-bedrooms, plus two manager units. Public funding, including an additional $25 million from the county, totals over $63 million to make this possible. Such investments highlight San Jose's dedication to creating accessible living options that support diverse communities, including artists who contribute to the local creative economy generating nearly $300 million annually.

Downtown San Jose will gain a new landmark that enhances its southern gateway, blending modern design with proximity to arts and cultural spots. City leaders emphasize how the tower will strengthen the area's character and help retain talent in Silicon Valley.

sfyimby.com

Meeting Tomorrow For Gateway Tower, Downtown San Jose - San Francisco YIMBY

Source: The Mercury News