Santa Clara Seeks Developer to Rebuild Its Long-Lost Downtown

Santa Clara has released a request for proposals for a mixed-use project on roughly 4.8 acres of city-owned land at 900 and 1000 Lafayette Street. The site, near Santa Clara University, Caltrain, and the planned BART extension, is intended as the flagship property for a rebuilt downtown. Economic Development Director Reena Brilliot described it as a catalyst that can help restore the soul the city lost when much of its historic core was cleared in the 1960s for an urban renewal project that never materialized.

The RFP calls for at least 300 residential units, with 25 percent set aside as affordable, a two-story food and beverage hall, a town square, ground-floor retail, a theater that recreates the historic Santa Clara Theater, and additional community amenities. The requirements follow the city’s Downtown Precise Plan and Form-Based Code, developed after extensive community input. The current site includes Peddlers Plaza with several retail spaces and an older office building that would need major upgrades.

Brilliot noted that people often associate Santa Clara with Nvidia or Levi’s Stadium, yet the city has a deeper history. Restoring a walkable downtown with housing, gathering places, and cultural venues would give residents and visitors a central destination that has been missing for decades. The city is seeking a long-term ground lease partner and expects the selection process to take nine months to a year.

Proposals are due January 17, 2027. Interested developers must attend a mandatory pre-proposal conference on November 18. Details on the RFP and process are available through the City of Santa Clara website.

Source: SVBJ

Nvidia's Hexagonal Headquarters Expansion: A Silicon Valley Power Move That Elevates San Jose's Tech Landscape

Nvidia has plans for a yet another striking pixelated office building in Santa Clara, just minutes from San Jose's vibrant core. The proposed 692,634-square-foot structure at 2300 and 2350 Walsh Avenue draws inspiration from the company's flagship headquarters, adopting a distinctive hexagonal form across three stories. Accompanied by three levels of underground parking and a pedestrian bridge spanning Walsh Avenue to link with an adjacent property, this development underscores the relentless forward momentum of innovation in our region. Acquired by Nvidia in May for $123 million, the site currently holds ten buildings set for transformation into a hub of cutting-edge work.

This project fits into Nvidia's aggressive 2025 real estate strategy, where the company has invested over $400 million in properties encircling its Santa Clara base. Another filing from May outlines a 324,000-square-foot facility at 2400 Condesa Street, blending offices, labs, and additional parking to fuel research and development. With Devcon Construction handling the build and Gensler leading the design, these initiatives promise to inject fresh energy into the local economy, drawing top engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who often commute through or settle in San Jose. The architectural review sits with Santa Clara city officials as of early December, hinting at construction that could break ground soon.

For San Jose residents and businesses, Nvidia's growth ripples outward like waves from a stone skipped across the Guadalupe River. As talent pools deepen and collaborative opportunities multiply, our city's own tech ecosystem stands to gain immensely. Watch for the hexagonal silhouette to become a new landmark in Silicon Valley's landscape.

Source: SVBJ