The Burbank Theater at 560 South Bascom Ave., shuttered since 2019, could soon transform from a forgotten relic into a lively hub of medical offices, retail, and community space. TJR Development’s plan keeps the theater’s iconic exterior intact while breathing new purpose into its walls.
A new second floor inside the theater would house medical outpatient offices, a cafeteria, and seating areas, making smart use of the existing structure. Retail spaces along South Bascom and Basile avenues would get a refresh, inviting foot traffic and local energy. Perhaps most exciting, the lobby would become a community activity center, a place where neighbors can gather, connect.
Location plays a big role here. Just three blocks from Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, the theater’s redevelopment could dovetail perfectly with the area’s healthcare needs. After years of challenges, including a lawsuit and foreclosure, this proposal offers a hopeful shift. The new owners, tied to Milpitas executives Fred Meyer and Hung Tran, bought the property for $1.6 million in January, signaling confidence in San Jose’s potential. It’s a chance to turn a site of blight into a cornerstone of the neighborhood.
If the plan moves forward, it could set the stage for more projects that blend preservation with progress across the city. From its days as a movie house to its time as a dance studio, this place has stories to tell, and now it’s ready for its next chapter.
Source: The Mercury News
