July 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The JULY 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available for download.

In this edition:

• SJDA President Katia McClain reflects on the recent protests over the death of George Floyd and others at the hands of police.
• The City of San Jose's parking program will make some big changes soon -- the beginning of free 90-minute parking for everyone in ParkSJ garages and the end of the Parking Validation program.
• SJDA has been involved in some of the murals going up on plywood, windows and doors around downtown.
• The San Jose Downtown Foundation worked with two other GoFundMe collaborators to provide financial relief for 18 downtown businesses damaged after the protests. More than 200 people from the San Jose community donated to the relief fund.  The organizers expressed their feelings about why they wanted to help.
• 10 new Downtown Doors are going up, full of messages, diversity, color and vibrancy -- and expressed by area high school students.
• Plantlush opens amid pandemic and protests along East Santa Clara Street.  The owner talks about her extraordinary opening week.
• Welcome SJDA's new Policy and Operations Director, Nathan Ulsh.

Help Stabilize Downtown San Jose - Take a Survey
 

San Jose Downtown Association is undergoing a stabilization planning process to identify priorities and improvements – both in the near-term to aid in downtown’s recovery, as well as in the longer-term to make lasting change in downtown over the next several years. Please take five minutes to complete the survey and join us in guiding the future of Downtown San Jose through recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and beyond. What do you consider most important in the near and medium terms? Prioritize the importance of such topics including events, promotions, communications, small business support, downtown cleaning, developing new services and programs, social equity efforts and more. Your input is very important. In appreciation of your contribution to this survey, SJDA will give away $50 downtown gift certificates to five survey respondents chosen at random.

Take the Survey Haga La Encuesta Tham gia cuộc thăm dò ý kiến

Other ways to stay connected to Downtown:

The Downtowner Online continues to be sent out on Wednesdays.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe

June 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The JUNE 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available.

In this edition:

• Downtown businesses are ready to serve their customers in new ways.  When and how questions remain unanswered for now, the Covid-19 danger still exists, and businesses get creative.
• The virus definitely had an impact on this year's survey of Property-Based Improvement District.  
• Farmers' Markets are considered essential businesses, so we're opening our Friday market at San Pedro Square each Friday starting June 5.  We have a list of changes to keep everyone safe and healthy at the market.
• Downtown builders are back to work on a number of downtown projects, with one significant exception.
• St. James Park and CityView Plaza projects progress.
• Paper Moon Coffee and Scott's Seafood open.
• And congratulations to the team at Paper Plane, ranked among the national bartending leaders.  

Another way to stay connected to downtown:

The Downtowner Online continues to be sent out on Wednesdays.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe

May 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The MAY 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available.

In this edition:

• As part of the process for Diridon Station Area Plan planning, city transportation staff disclosed a proposal that would close the northbound off-ramp from Highway 87 onto Santa Clara Street, much to the surprise of many key stakeholders.  The purpose of the plan update is to include Google's Downtown West (DoWe) proposed development. 
• BART and VTA have decided to take one step backward to move forward on how it will dig BART tracks underground through downtown San Jose.  The big tunnel idea has been scrapped in favor of the original idea to place stacked tracks through downtown, which requires a smaller, less-costly dig.
• Business survived the second month of shelter-in-place by giving themselves a pep talk.
• SJDA plans to open its Friday Downtown Farmer's Market June 5, 10 am-2 p.m.
• Groundwerx management answers questions about cleaning and keeping downtown safe during shelter-in-place.
• Urban Community and Swenson keep buying property downtown.
• A new scooter company moves in.
• The popular From the Archives feature summarizes downtown highlights 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years ago.

Other ways to stay connected to Downtown:

The Downtowner Online continues to be sent out on Wednesdays.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe

April 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The APRIL 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available.

In this edition:

• Downtown businesses cope with a pandemic as losses mount during shelter in place. This month's lead story covers the thoughts and emotions of business owners, and how businesses plan to continue serving their customers and keep their commitment to employees.
• Other stories include:
  • Groundwerx during shelter-in-place
  • SJDA's plan of action
  • San Jose State University's course of events
  • San Jose City Council action
• Downtown news not pertaining to COVID-19:
  • ADA compliance grant available
  • Bus stops removed from San Fernando Street
  • Two property acquisitions 
  • Two new businesses

Other ways to stay connected to Downtown:

The Downtowner Online continues to be sent out on Wednesdays.  This weekly email features downtown businesses including virtual events and ways to support downtown. Subscribe

San Jose Development Map

The San Jose Economy blog has updated the map of new development projects in San Jose. The Sharks Ice expansion, Tribute Hotel, Garden Gate, 200 Park, Platform 16, Building 7 at Coleman Highline, and Danco Housing @ West San Carlos have been added. The planning team is reviewing development permits for more than 9,000 residential units and a staggering 15 million SQFT of office space citywide. Hopefully this will still come to fruition after the pandemic boils over.u

Most of the new project are centered around Downtown San Jose. Half of the proposed office space and 40% of the residential units are in the Downtown core. 551 hotel rooms and 86,000 SQFT of new retail are in the mix as well.

As for the projects currently under construction, you're looking at 8.7 million SQFT of office space, 1.3 million SQFT of retail, 470 hotel rooms, and 4,131 new residential units.

Check out the interactive map over here!

March 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The MARCH 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available.

In this edition:

• SJDA has released a policy document outlining its vision of downtown and how it can be achieved.  Click here to see the document.  The March Dimension summarizes the vision and some of the thinking behind it.
• San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art will have a 40th Anniversary party in June.  Dimension takes a look at what it takes for arts groups to survive in San Jose.  It starts with a strong Executive Director, which ICA has.  But not for long -- Cathy Kimball will retire after the June bash.
• Several briefs about investments and plans sure to have an effect on downtown's future.
• CINEQUEST begins Tuesday, March 3, and continues through March 15.

SJDA in the News:

Response to Platform 16's plans for March groundbreaking. (Mercury News)

Riverpark Towers fills to the brim. (Mercury News)

FYI:

• Live and Local SJ for live music
• Traffic alerts lane and road closures.
• Maps of downtown commercial property availability and development proposals.

Downtown Dimension is a leading source for information about downtown San Jose news, events and businesses. Subscribe with a simple email to sjda@sjdowntown.com, subject line:  Subscribe

February 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The FEBRUARY 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available. In this edition: Downtown is expanding in all four directions.  Our lead story focuses on what's happening in SoDA, the South of Downtown Area. SJDA Board President Katia McClain's 2020 term started with a feature story in Silicon Valley Business Journal.  Her Letter to downtown businesses includes thoughts on what it will take to make downtown San Jose look as good as possible. CityView businesses are relocating as Jay Paul Co. prepares the block for demolition.  Dimension tracked down many of the new locations of former CityView tenants. New owner and plans for the former Camera Cinemas building. San Jose's $15.25 minimum wage is middle-of-the-pack of Bay Area cities. Coming up:  CINEQUEST March 3-15 and San Jose Jazz Winterfest Feb. 14-29. Councilmember Raul Peralez will be featured at SJDA's next public meeting -- on a special date -- Thursday, Feb. 20, 8-9:30, at Tabard Theatre, 29 N. San Pedro St.  The meeting is open to everyone. FYI: Live and Local SJ for live music Traffic alerts lane and road closures. Maps of downtown commercial property availability and development proposals. Downtown Dimension is a leading source for information about downtown San Jose news, events and businesses. Subscribe with a simple email to sjda@sjdowntown.com, subject line:  Subscribe

January 2020 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month.

The JANUARY 2020 Downtown Dimension is now available at:

 

https://sjdowntown.com/wp_2016/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/143959-1-DTDJAN2020.pdf

In this edition:

• Downtown Dimension reviews some of th accomplishments of the next two dec ages and ponders the questions: Will these be the Roaring '20s?
• San Jose State earned its second Golden Nail Award for the new Recreation and Aquatics Center.
• DASH comes to an end after serving the downtown area with free shuttle service from the train station for more than two decades.
• Have you gone skating at Downtown Ice yet?  Open through Jan. 12.

HAVE A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 2020!

FYI:

• Live and Local SJ for live music
• Traffic alerts lane and road closures.
• Maps of downtown commercial property availability and development proposals.

Downtown Dimension is a leading source for information about downtown San Jose news, events and businesses.  Subscribe with a simple email to sjda@sjdowntown.com, subject line:  Subscribe

December 2019 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month: The DECEMBER 2019 Downtown Dimension is now available at:   https://sjdowntown.com/wp_2016/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/DTDDEC2019.pdf In this edition: For more than a decade, Veronica Moya has delivered the Downtown Dimension to downtown businesses.  This month, she will deliver the newsletter to her customers, who will get to read a profile all about her.  Moya is definitely a Downtown Gem, downtown ambassador and one of USPS's best. Be sure to tell her so when you see her on our streets. SJDA put together a program to provide tenants of the brand-new and now-open Villas on the Park with day-to-day necessities, helping to "turn apartments into homes" for the previously homeless. New schematics show what Diridon Station may look like in the near future. Meet Katia McClain, SJDA's new President of its Board of Directors. For 2020, developers will get a break on high-rise residential fees, in hopes that construction of a few entitled buildings actually begin. Urban Catalyst continues to make moves to change downtown. What do you think of the new barriers on Second Street? Can trains get through downtown faster? Will the barriers help with safety? As a pedestrian, are they helpful or a hindrance? The Improv gets a beauty makeover and Adega Pastelaria brings tasty pastries to East Santa Clara Street. December hours extended for Downtown Ice - time to take a few spins around this signature holiday activity. You are invited to SJDA's annual Year-End meeting:  Dec. 13, 8 a.m. at the Hammer Theatre.  RSVP to attend at sjdarsvp@sjdowntown.com. FYI: Live and Local SJ for live music Traffic alerts lane and road closures. Maps of downtown commercial property availability and development proposals. Downtown Dimension is a leading source for information about downtown San Jose news, events and businesses.  Subscribe with a simple email to sjda@sjdowntown.com, subject line:  Subscribe Copyright © 2019 San Jose Downtown Association, All rights reserved.

November 2019 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month: The NOVEMBER 2019 Downtown Dimension is now available at:   https://sjdowntown.com/wp_2016/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DTDNov2019.pdf In this edition: Google submitted its application this month to develop the west side of downtown San Jose.  We offered highlights in the last edition, but this time, we have some juicy details of the plans that nobody else reported. Google's not the only business making plans.  Take a look at the latest from Acquity Realty, San Jose Stage, KT Urban, Urban Community/Terrascape Ventures and Boston Properties. SJDA Board President Michael Rewkiewicz has some thoughts on improving the East Santa Clara Street corridor between Market Street and City Hall. Downtown Ice opens Nov. 15 in the Circle of Palms.  Make that Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice, presented by Alaska Airlines in association with Google, First Tech Credit Union and Swenson. Several businesses downtown are taking donations of basic supplies to Welcome Home the first tenants of the Villas on the Park, 83 units for the previously homeless.  SJDA and PATH are partnering on this program - through Nov. 15! SJDA's financial report going into FY 2019-20 looks solid. San Jose Downtown Foundation's signature Downtown Doors has won another award, this one from the Cornerstone of the Arts. MOMENT at San Pedro Squared also won another award, this one from the International Downtown Association. Please save the date:  Dec. 13, 8 a.m. at the Hammer Theatre -- when SJDA hosts its annual Year-End Meeting.  RSVP to attend at sjdarsvp@sjdowntown.com. FYI: Live and Local SJ live music Traffic alerts lane and road closures. Maps of downtown commercial property availability and development proposals. Boom City: SJDA's continuing summary of new downtown building proposals and west side acquisitions,  Downtown Dimension is a leading source for information about downtown San Jose news, events and businesses.  Subscribe with a simple email to sjda@sjdowntown.com, subject line:  Subscribe Copyright © 2019 San Jose Downtown Association, All rights reserved.

October 2019 Downtown Dimension Highlights

The latest addition of Downtown Dimension is now live. Below is a summary of the content this month: The OCTOBER 2019 Downtown Dimension is now available at: https://sjdowntown.com/wp_2016/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DTDOct2019.pdf In this edition: Google is expected to submit its application this month to develop the west side of downtown San Jose.  In September, we received a 10,000-foot view of the development and report on the highlights. MOMENT at San Pedro Squared is well into its second year of operations out of the Market-San Pedro Square Garage.  Businesses, customers and other key stakeholders remark on the overall success of the project that grew out of a 2015 Knight Cities Challenge grant. Developers of downtown high rises have another two years to take advantage of a reduction in construction taxes and waiver on affordable housing impact fees. Looks like BART service in downtown San Jose won't begin until 2030. Local Color opens two satellite locations. Three more restaurants, a bank and a boxing center opened in downtown San Jose. Good news announced from Hotel De Anza and Cloudflare. Hope to see you at the Annual Membership Meeting of the San Jose Downtown Association – Oct. 11, 8 a.m., San Jose First United Methodist Church, 24 N. Fifth St. The public meeting will feature the “State of Downtown” address by Executive Director Scott Knies, financial reports and the popular lightning-round committee summaries – all in 90 minutes or less.   Continental breakfast included.  RSVP to attend at sjdarsvp@sjdowntown.com. Also happening downtown: Live and Local SJ live music Traffic alerts lane and road closures. Maps of downtown commercial property availability and development proposals. Boom City: SJDA's continuing summary of new downtown building proposals and west side acquisitions,  Downtown Dimension is a leading source for information about downtown San Jose news, events and businesses.  Subscribe with a simple email to sjda@sjdowntown.com, subject line:  Subscribe. Copyright © 2019 San Jose Downtown Association, All rights reserved.